Weather in Kismayo

Overview of Kismaayo, Somalia

Kismaayo, also spelled Kismayo, is a port city in the southern part of Somalia. Situated on the Indian Ocean, it's known for its picturesque beaches, historic sites, and bustling markets. However, the city's geographical location significantly influences its climate, which is classified as a hot semi-arid climate (BSh) according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification.

Year-round Climate and Weather in Kismaayo

Kismaayo's climate is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with slight variations between the seasons. The city receives moderate annual rainfall, with the majority of it falling during the Gu and Dayr rainy seasons.

Temperature

The highest average temperatures are observed during the spring season, particularly in the months of March to May. Conversely, the lowest average temperatures occur in the summer season, noticeable from June to August.

Precipitation

The annual rainfall in Kismaayo is approximately 427mm. The rainfall pattern is bimodal, with the Gu (April-June) and Dayr (Oct-Nov) seasons accounting for most of the annual precipitation.

"The Gu season is typically the heavier of the two rainy seasons, often accounting for about 60% of the annual rainfall. However, the Dayr season is also significant, contributing approximately 30-40% of the yearly precipitation."

Weather Extremes and Climate Risks

Like many other parts of Somalia, Kismaayo is susceptible to weather extremes and climate risks, including droughts and floods. Droughts often occur during the Jilal season (Dec-Mar), which is the driest period of the year. On the other hand, floods are common during the Gu season due to heavy rains and poor drainage systems in some areas.

Droughts

• 2011 East Africa drought: This was one of the worst droughts in the region's history, severely affecting the people of Kismaayo. Due to consecutive seasons of poor rains and crop failures, the city faced severe food and water shortages.
• 2017 Somalia drought: Another devastating drought hit Somalia in 2017, leading to widespread hunger and displacement of people in Kismaayo and other regions of the country.

Floods

• 2018 Somalia floods: Heavy Gu rains caused severe flooding in Kismaayo in 2018, displacing thousands of people and causing significant property damage.
• 2020 Somalia floods: In 2020, the city experienced another round of severe flooding due to the above-average Gu rains. The floods affected many people, particularly those living in makeshift dwellings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kismaayo's climate is hot and semi-arid, with high temperatures throughout the year and moderate annual rainfall. The city's climate and weather patterns are largely influenced by its geographical location and the Indian Ocean's seasonal monsoons. However, Kismaayo is also prone to weather extremes and climate risks, including droughts and floods, which often have devastating impacts on the city's population and infrastructure.