Prevailing severe dry weather conditions, virtually since October 2016, have affected rangelands and crops in large parts of East Africa, causing a serious deterioration of food security conditions in the subregion. This Special Alert highlights the following major areas of concern: central and southern Somalia, southeastern Ethiopia, northern and eastern Kenya, northern United Republic of Tanzania, and northeastern and southwestern Uganda. Localized Fall armyworm infestations are likely to further affect yields in the affected areas. Soaring prices of cereals are limiting food access for large numbers of poor households. The purchasing power of pastoral households in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia is severely constrained by plunging prices of livestock and rising prices of cereals. Recurrent climatic shocks have undermined household resilience. Urgent support to agricultural livelihoods is critically needed.