Chadian Weather Today

Climate and Weather in Chad

Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country located in Central Africa. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Sahara Desert in the north, the Sahel region in the center, and the fertile savannahs in the south. The climate in Chad varies significantly across the country, with distinct weather patterns in different regions. 1.

North Region:

The northern part of Chad is dominated by the Sahara Desert, characterized by an arid climate with extremely hot temperatures and very little rainfall. The region experiences scorching summers, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the day. The nights can be relatively cooler, but still warm, with temperatures around 20°C (68°F). Rainfall in the north is minimal, averaging less than 50mm (2 inches) per year. 2.

Sahel Region:

The central Sahel region of Chad has a semi-arid climate, experiencing a longer dry season compared to the southern parts of the country. The dry season typically lasts from October to May, with very little rainfall. The hot season extends from March to June, with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F). The cooler season occurs between November and February, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Annual rainfall in the Sahel region ranges from 250mm to 600mm (10 inches to 24 inches). 3.

Southern Region:

The southern part of Chad transitions into a more tropical climate, characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. The dry season usually lasts from November to March, with lower rainfall and hotter temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). The wet season occurs between April and October, with higher rainfall and cooler temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Annual rainfall in the southern region ranges from 800mm to 1,200mm (31 inches to 47 inches). 4.

Lake Chad Region:

The Lake Chad region is located in the western part of Chad and experiences a sub-tropical climate. The dry season lasts from November to April, with low rainfall and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The wet season occurs between May and October, with higher rainfall and cooler temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Annual rainfall in the Lake Chad region ranges from 600mm to 800mm (24 inches to 31 inches). 5.

Extreme Weather Events:

Chad is prone to occasional extreme weather events such as droughts, flash floods, and dust storms. Droughts can have devastating impacts on agriculture and livelihoods, particularly in the Sahel region. Flash floods, often caused by heavy rainfall during the wet season, can result in widespread damage and displacement of communities. Dust storms, also known as haboobs, can occur during the dry season, reducing visibility and disrupting daily activities. Overall, Chad's climate is heavily influenced by its geographical location and diverse landscapes. The northern regions are characterized by desert conditions, while the southern regions experience a more tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Understanding the climate and weather patterns in Chad is crucial for agricultural planning, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness in the country.