A larger portion of the population is expected to experience crisis and emergency situations, with the most vulnerable households facing potential catastrophic conditions due to strained social support systems.,,Somalia is confronting a deteriorating food security crisis, with emergency conditions anticipated to develop across significant portions of the nation this month.,,This development follows the unsuccessful October to December short rains, as indicated by the recent assessment from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET).,,The assessment indicates that the unsuccessful 2025 deyr rains, coupled with a stalled recovery from the extended 2020–2023 drought, have severely impacted livelihoods in both pastoral and agropastoral regions.,,Consequently, millions of households are finding it difficult to meet fundamental food requirements as the January–March jilaal dry period commences.,,Therefore, FEWS NET reports that area-level Emergency (IPC Phase 4) situations will arise in January 2026 across portions of southern and northwestern agropastoral zones and substantial areas of northern and central pastoral regions.,,Crisis-level food insecurity is anticipated in regions less impacted by recent weather disturbances or conflicts, though the forecast warns that crop failures, livestock losses, and extremely low milk production will significantly restrict food and income sources,,Escalating food and water costs are likewise expected to increase pressure on susceptible households.,,The assessment further observes that intensifying competition over limited resources is apt to trigger clan-based conflicts, while growing numbers of households are projected to relocate to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and urban centers seeking aid and livelihood opportunities.,,From February to May, an increasing proportion of the population is expected to confront crisis and emergency circumstances, with some of the most impoverished households at risk of catastrophic conditions amidst overextended social support systems.,,Severe malnutrition rates are also predicted to increase, especially among children.,,Although forecasts suggest a potential shift to normal April–June gu rains in early 2026, FEWS NET warns that even moderately below-average precipitation would exacerbate food insecurity.,,This development would consequently elevate the number of people experiencing extreme hunger and amplify concerns about the potential for famine later in the year.,,,,,,,,