In the heart of the Greater Horn of Africa, the skies stirred with anticipation as the winds whispered of change. From the lush highlands of Ethiopia to the sun-scorched plains of South Sudan, the land braced itself for the dance of elements, a symphony of rain and heat that would shape the days ahead.

In Rwanda and Burundi, the clouds gathered thick and heavy, promising above-average rainfall. The earth, already softened by recent showers, prepared to drink deeply. Rivers swelled, and the hillsides glistened under the weight of the coming downpour. Farmers looked to the skies with both hope and caution, knowing that while the rains would nourish their crops, they could also bring the threat of floods.

According to meteorological forecasts, these regions could receive over 120% of their usual rainfall, raising concerns about waterlogging and potential landslides. “The land will thrive,” they murmured, “but we must be ready.”

Moving southeast, Tanzania showed a tale of two climates. Central and northern regions are forecasted to receive rainfall exceeding the 90th percentile, with expected accumulations of over 150mm in some areas, according to the Tanzania Meteorological Authority. Yet, in the south and west, the skies were less generous, offering only scattered showers.

In Uganda, the rains painted a patchwork across the land with the southwest receiving moderate rainfall, while the south and west saw only light sprinkles. In the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains, children played in the drizzle, their laughter mingling with the sound of falling rain, even as meteorologists warned of fluctuating precipitation patterns linked to regional climatic shifts.

Moving northward, Ethiopia presented a stark contrast. The western highlands welcomed moderate rains, their terraced fields turning emerald green. However, in the eastern lowlands, the sun reigned supreme, its heat unrelenting.

In parts of the Somali region, temperatures soared past 35°C—nearly 4°C above seasonal norms. Here, the land was parched, and communities conserved their energy for the long days ahead, a testament to their resilience in an increasingly erratic climate.

As the rains fell, temperatures continued to rise. Across the region, the sun blazed with an intensity that seemed to defy the season. In South Sudan, the heat climbed above 32°C, exceeding historical averages by nearly 3°C. The air shimmered over the plains, and the people sought refuge in the shade of acacia trees, their faces glistening with sweat.

In Sudan, the heat was no less oppressive, though a few areas in the west experienced a rare respite with cooler-than-usual temperatures. Nights brought brief relief, but in the east, heat stress persisted, a stark reminder of the region’s growing vulnerability to climate extremes.

Kenya and Tanzania also felt the heat’s grip. In the eastern lowlands, temperatures soared past 34°C, and the land seemed to shimmer under the relentless sun. Residents recognized the familiar signs of heat stress, dry throats, sluggish movements, and the faintness that came with prolonged exposure.

They adjusted their routines accordingly, seeking shelter during peak hours. Meanwhile, in the Ethiopian highlands and the central to western regions of Kenya, the temperatures remained mild, offering a welcome reprieve from the oppressive heat that gripped the lowlands.

As the week unfolded, the Greater Horn of Africa stood as a testament to nature’s duality. The rains brought life and challenge in equal measure, while the heat tested the resilience of all who lived under its gaze.

Scientists warn that these shifting rainfall and temperature patterns align with broader climate change projections. The increasing unpredictability calls for urgent investment in early warning systems, water conservation strategies, and climate adaptation measures.

As climate variability shapes the future, the people and policymakers must remain vigilant, working together to build a more resilient region.