Mogadishu, Somalia – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that several regions in Somalia are facing the prospect of prolonged dry spells, with climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather patterns.

In its latest update issued on August 4, OCHA highlighted that parts of the country—including the central, northern, and some southern regions—are likely to experience extended periods without adequate rainfall. The agency cautioned that these conditions will strain already fragile livelihoods, undermine crop production, and worsen water scarcity for both human and livestock populations.

According to OCHA, the anticipated dry spells are linked to shifting rainfall patterns driven by climate change, which has disrupted Somalia’s traditional seasonal cycles. “These prolonged dry conditions not only threaten food security but also risk reversing recent gains made in drought recovery,” the report stated.

Somalia has been on the frontlines of the global climate crisis, enduring consecutive droughts in recent years followed by episodes of flash flooding. Experts warn that such climate extremes—occurring more frequently and with greater intensity—are pushing vulnerable communities into an almost constant state of emergency.

Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent investment in climate adaptation measures, including sustainable water management systems, drought-resilient agriculture, and early warning mechanisms to help communities prepare for weather shocks. OCHA noted that without immediate action, millions could face worsening hunger and displacement in the coming months.

The warning comes as Somalia continues to recover from the devastating 2020–2023 drought, which left millions in need of aid. With global temperatures rising and weather patterns becoming increasingly erratic, OCHA’s assessment underscores the urgent need for both local resilience-building and stronger international climate action.