The June to September Kiremt rains are predicated to be average

• According to the forecast released on the 30 th of May 2012 by the National Meteorological Agency (NMA), the June to September rains are expected to be generally average in the major Kiremt rains-benefiting areas. However, the rains are anticipated to cease earlier than normal. The onset will be slightly late in the northeastern parts of the country.
• Increased needs for humanitarian assistance is likely between July and September as a result of below-average February to May rains in the northern, northeastern, and southern parts of the country. This year, the Gu/Belg/Genna/Sugum multi-agency seasonal assessment has been started earlier than normal due to emerging food security concerns. The revised humanitarian requirements document (HRD) is expected to be released in the first half of July.
• Typically, cereal prices decline following the October to January Meher harvest and begin to rise in May. However, abnormal increases were observed in both wholesale and retail prices in the first two months of the current year as the harvest peaked. Though at elevated levels, prices have remained generally stable since March 2012 in most parts of the country. As the June to September lean season progresses, prices are expected to rise, especially in the Belg-growing areas of Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) and the northeastern highlands.