Widespread and above normal rains in early to mid-July facilitated plantings in the north and crop development in the rest of the country. During the first decade of July, rains moved towards the northern part of the country where they started earlier than usual. Cumulative rainfall at the end of July is higher than for the same period in 1998/99 and above normal, except in Gossas, Mbour, Podor and Tambacounda areas. Favourable conditions in July permitted satisfactory crop development. Precipitation decreased during the last dekad of July, notably in the south. Satellite imagery for the first dekad of August indicates that precipitation remained limited in the north. Improved rains are needed in mid-August to avoid crop stress.