West Africa and Cabo Verde

San Antao…

Background

Because of African Easterly Waves (AEWs) which can develop into Hurricanes, we pay attention to West Africa during the period of June to November. These waves emerge every 3-5 days from the continent and can threaten the Caribbean, Central America, and the United States. This is the rainy period where observations show that the extremes are increasing… a result of some climate models

During November through July, large Saharan dust storms impact millions of individuals with the Bodele Depression being the largest dust source in the world. During May, the dust flows over the monsoon and downstream to the Caribbean and United States. Both factors require that they are forecasted to warn populations.