Mogadishu, Somalia – The East African nation of Somalia has stepped up preparations for its National Climate Outlook, with experts and government officials underscoring the critical role of seasonal forecasts in protecting lives and livelihoods amid growing climate pressures.
In a virtual meeting chaired by Dr. Guleid Artan, Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), participants discussed how accurate and timely climate predictions could bolster sectors such as health, livestock, the blue economy, and food security.
Dr. Artan emphasized that “seasonal forecasts are not just scientific tools, but lifelines for communities on the frontlines of climate impacts.”
Khadar Mohamed, representing the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), urged stronger collaboration between ministries, national agencies, and international partners to ensure climate information reaches decision-makers and vulnerable communities. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Water, M. Sufi stressed the importance of sector-specific impact assessments, regional forecasting that incorporates global climate drivers, and improved platforms for sharing real-time data.
Stakeholders agreed on a set of priorities to strengthen Somalia’s climate resilience: enhancing inter-sectoral cooperation, linking national and local budgets to forecast-based actions, and embedding climate information into both disaster response and long-term development planning.
The meeting’s outcomes are expected to shape the upcoming National Climate Outlook, which will guide the country’s readiness for the next climate season. Officials say the coordinated approach aims to reduce climate-related losses, improve early warning systems, and ensure that science-based forecasts translate into practical measures for Somali communities.
With Somalia facing recurrent droughts, floods, and shifting weather patterns, the National Climate Outlook is seen as a vital instrument in bridging the gap between climate science and everyday resilience.
