Experimental Climate Monitoring and Prediction for Maldives – February 2015

HIGHLIGHTS

A continuation of dry weather conditions from the previous month was observed throughout January in the Northern and Central Maldives. The Southern Islands got a significant amount of rainfall on the 12 -14 th of January. The seas to the Southern islands showed a warming which was 0.5C above what is usual. Significant amounts of rainfall are not expected during the next few days as well. On a seasonal time scale, the next three months are expected to bring the usual distribution of rainfall totals although the Southern islands in particular and Central Islands as well shall tend towards warmer temperatures than usual.

Very dry conditions were observed in and around Maldives during January 2015

 Printable Version of the Full Report (PDF)

---------------------------Inside this Issue------------------------

1. Monthly Climatology
2. Rainfall Monitoring
1. Daily Satellite derived Rainfall Estimates
   
2. Monthly Rainfall derived from Satellite Rainfall Estimate
3. Monthly and Seasonal Monitoring
3. Ocean Surface Monitoring
4. Rainfall Predictions
1. Weekly Predictions from NOAA/NCEP
2. Seasonal Predictions from IRI
   

Experimental Climate Monitoring and Prediction for Maldives – January 2015

HIGHLIGHTS

During December below average rainfall was observed throughout Maldives contributing to a further increase in the rainfall deficit which had persisted throughout the previous year. Despite having relatively higher rainfall towards the end of the year 2014, the rainfall deficit in southern islands too has reached to a magnitude of about 15% of expected rainfall during the year. Most of ENSO prediction models indicate a weak El Nino condition during January to March.

Rainfall Anomaly over Maldives in December 2014. Notice that below average rainfall was observed in the entire country which is shown in brown.

 Printable Version of the Full Report (PDF)

---------------------------Inside this Issue------------------------

1. Monthly Climatology
2. Rainfall Monitoring
1. Daily Satellite derived Rainfall Estimates
   
2. Monthly Rainfall derived from Satellite Rainfall Estimate
3. Monthly and Seasonal Monitoring
3. Ocean Surface Monitoring
4. Rainfall Predictions
1. Weekly Predictions from NOAA/NCEP
2. Seasonal Predictions from IRI
   

We should not surrender to climate change

By Dunya Maumoon

Island states, such as the Maldives, are already making ambitious changes to adapt to rising sea levels. With a global resolve to implement such solutions, it could be possible to tackle the climate impasse.

A girl walks at a beach damaged by erosion at Fuvahmulah in the Maldives. The island chain, that sits just a metre above sea level, is working to build resilience into its coastal infrastructure. Photograph: Reinhard Krause/Reuters