SENEGAL:

Crop prospects improved following regular rains in August. The rainy season started in the extreme south-east in early June. Rains progressed slowly to the centre and the north, which remained dry up to mid-July. Wet planting of coarse grains started with the arrival of the rains in late July in the north. In August, regular rains were registered in the centre and the north (St Louis, Louga and Thiès regions), except in the southern part of St Louis region. Heavy rains in Tambacounda region (with record dekadal precipitation recorded during the last dekad of August in Kédougou) caused flooding in some areas. In the south (Kolda region), precipitation remained irregular and badly distributed. Crop water needs are covered everywhere and crops are generally developing satisfactorily. Millet and sorghum crops are generally elongating/heading in the south and the centre, tillering/elongating in the north. Maize is flowering. Rice is tillering/elongating. Due to the late start of the rains in the centre and centre-north and seed supply difficulties, planted areas are likely to be reduced. The final outcome will depend heavily on the continuation of the rains up to mid-October in the centre and the north.

Pastures are regenerating following regular rains in August. Grasshopper infestations have been reported in Kaffrine department but strong treatments blocked their expansion. Grain eating birds are also present in the Senegal River region. No Desert Locust activity is reported.

Satellite Images (Cold Cloud Duration for the last three dekads)

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