Early season rainfall has been erratic in southern and central parts of the region, despite a timely onset of the season. This has negatively impacted on crop germination in some areas.
Favourable rainfall conducive to crop development was received in some northern parts of the region.
Heavy rains and a cyclone caused flooding in parts of Tanzania and Madagascar respectively.
A recent forecast update from the South Africa Weather Service has predicted elevated chances of below average rainfall during January to March 2020 in many parts of the region.
Email: southernafrica@fews.net