SENEGAL
Rains increased in July in the south and the centre but remained limited in the north. The rainy season started in May in the south-east. Rains progressed northwards in June but remained limited. In early July, they became abundant in the south while the north remained mostly dry. In mid-July, some rainfall occured in the north. In late July, the intensity of the rains increased in the south and the west but rains were registered in the whole country on 25 and 29 July. As of 31 July, cumulative rainfall is generally about normal except in Velingara and Bakel in the south and in Diourbel, Kaolak and Mbour in the centre-west. In early August, cloud coverage was widespread over the entire country but the intensity of the rains is likely to have decreased significantly, notably in the south. Millet, sorghum and maize are generally in the elongation phase in the south and the centre. They are emerging or still being planted in the north. Rice is tillering elongating. Pastures are regenerating satisfactorily in the south and the centre-south.
Grasshoppers are reported in several areas. Very low densities of Desert Locust adults were seen on 21 July in the Senegal River Valley at two locations near Thikite within 500 hectares and 800 hectares respectively. Low numbers of adults are expected to move back and forth across the border in the Senegal River Valley. Additional adults that arrive in the north are expected to lay and low numbers of hoppers should appear during August.
