Persistent Rainfall in Southern West Africa and Northern Central Africa with Localized Severe Convective Weather

Over the past week, parts of southern West Africa and northern Central Africa have experienced heavy rainfall (Figure 1). Specifically, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger States in Nigeria, as well as the capital city of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, have recorded cumulative rainfall totals of 50-80 mm, with some areas reaching 100-150 mm. Notably, localized regions in western Sokoto, southern Kebbi, and northwestern Niger States in Nigeria have seen rainfall exceeding 250 mm.

The rainfall is expected to continue across southern West Africa and northern Central Africa for the next five days, though with reduced intensity. Most areas will experience light to moderate rain (Figure 2). However, localized heavy rain or torrential rain are anticipated in Niger State, Zamfara State, and Delta State in Nigeria; eastern Guinea; Sierra Leone; Liberia; southern C？te d'Ivoire; southwestern Cameroon; western Gabon; Mambéré-Kadé？ Province in the Central African Republic; and northern Democratic Republic of the Congo. These areas may also experience severe convective weather, including short-duration intense rainfall and thunderstorms with strong winds. Close monitoring is advised due to the potential for secondary disasters such as flooding triggered by the persistent heavy rainfall.

Figure 1: Accumulated Rainfall from May 27 to May 30, 2025 (Shaded, Unit: mm)

Figure 2: Forecast of 24-hour rainfall (shaded, units: mm), 850 hPa wind field (wind barbs, units: m/s), and 500 hPa geopotential height field (contours, units: dagpm) at 20:00 (Beijing Time) on June 4, 2025

Author: Yang Jing                                 Reviewer: Guan Yue 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                       Issue approver:Dai Kan