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Agroclimatology

Agroclimatology

FEWS NET draws heavily on agroclimatological analysis to monitor and construct scenarios of food security in the countries it covers. Precipitation, soil moisture, and surface temperatures directly affect the ability of small- and large- scale farmers around the world to grow crops and raise livestock. Global scale patterns of atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperatures influence these variables and provide a basis for forecasting seasonal outcomes. While food security depends on a complex variety of factors, climate and weather shocks often play a significant role in episodes of acute food insecurity.

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Cabbage agriculture harvest
About Agroclimatology

Agroclimatology data are critical parts of FEWS NET’s knowledge base. These data include remote sensing imagery, historical rainfall totals, climate change analysis, forecasts, and an understanding of climate drivers like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Analysts use this information to understand the climatology for areas of concern, to make assumptions about future conditions as part of scenario development, and to monitor and report on seasonal progress. The Ocean-Atmosphere Dynamics links below provide additional information on climate-related phenomena: El Niño, La Niña, and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).

Agroclimatology information is integrated into FEWS NET’s regular Outlook and Outlook Update analysis. In addition, FEWS NET produces weekly Global Weather Hazards reports, which anticipate severe weather or climate events in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Central Asia; and Seasonal Monitor reports, which update rainfall totals, impacts on production, and short-term forecasts.

Read the Agroclimatology Fact Sheet
Resources Resources
El Niño and Precipitation Fact Sheet La Niña and Precipitation Fact Sheet Indian Ocean Dipole and Precipitation Fact Sheet Building Rainfall Assumptions for Scenario Development
Agroclimatology Data Portals Agroclimatology Data Portals

Four United States government agencies: the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are indispensable partners, providing access to remote sensing imagery, data, and analysis on current conditions, historical trends, and future forecasts. 

See the links below to access data provided by the FEWS NET science partners:

USGS FEWS NET Data Portal
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USGS FEWS NET Data Portal
Visit the USGS FEWS NET Data Portal
USDA Crop Explorer
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USDA Crop Explorer
Visit the USDA Crop Explorer
NOAA FEWS NET Data Portal
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NOAA Climate Prediction Center
Visit the NOAA Climate Prediction Center
NASA FEWS NET Data Portal
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NASA FEWS NET Data Portal
Visit the NASA FEWS NET Data Portal
Agroclimatology Products Agroclimatology Products
Global Weather Hazards

Global Weather Hazards reports anticipate severe weather or climate events in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Central Asia. This product provides maps with current weather and climate information.

View Reports
Seasonal Monitor

The seasonal monitor updates rainfall totals, impacts on production, and the short-term forecast. It is produced every 20 days during the production season.

View Reports
Agroclimatology Tools Agroclimatology Tools
Early Warning Explorer (EWX) Early Warning Explorer (EWX) Lite CHIRPS GeoCLIM CHC Early Estimates GeoWRSI Water Point Viewer Climate Engine View More Tools
ENSO Monitoring Resources ENSO Monitoring Resources
FEWS NET: Historic ENSO-Related Climate Impacts
FEWS NET: Historic ENSO-Related Climate Impacts
View historic conditions related to past ENSO events
NOAA PSL ENSO Dashboard
NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) ENSO Dashboard
View the NOAA PSL ENSO Dashboard
ENSO SST Anomalies
Consensus Probabilistic El Niño Southern Oscillation Forecast
Read the latest CPC/IRI ENSO forecast
SST animation tropical pacific
Tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperatures (SST)
VIEW THE LATEST NOAA/CPC SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURES
Historic Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies Over the Niño 3.4 Region in the Tropical Pacific
Historic Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies Over the Niño 3.4 Region in the Tropical Pacific
VIEW EL NIÑO ENSO HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Current Year Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies Over the Niño 3.4 Region in the Tropical Pacific
Current Year Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies Over the Niño 3.4 Region in the Tropical Pacific
VIEW COLD & WARM EPISODES BY SEASON
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The information provided on this Website is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the U.S. Government.

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