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As May 2025 ends, Yemen continues to experience dry conditions, especially in the highlands, with limited rainfall hindering planting and depleting soil moisture. Rising temperatures further threaten agriculture.
Key Concerns:
Decreasing Rainfall Conditions: The last ten days of May 2025 are predicted to bring unusually low rainfall across most of Yemen, especially in Al Mahwit, Raymah, Amran, and Sana'a governorates. These areas rely on modest May rains for planting sorghum, millet, and pulses. While some light showers may occur in iso- lated highland and coastal areas, most lowlands and eastern regions, including Hadramaut, Shabwah, and Al Mahrah governorates, are expected to remain predominantly dry. Without significant rainfall in early June, crop losses and livestock feed shortages are highly probable, severely impacting agricultural productivity.
Rising Temperatures: Yemen will continue to experience above-normal daytime and nighttime tempera- tures across most governorates in the last ten days of May 2025, mirroring trends from earlier in the month (FAO Early Warning Agrometeorological Bulletin). Extreme heat up to 44°C is expected in eastern desert regions like Hadramaut, Al Mahrah, and Marib, raising heatwave risks and exacerbating drought stress on crops and water resources. Coastal and lowland areas, including Lahj, Taizz, Aden, and Al Hudaydah, will also endure very high temperatures, with daytime highs reaching 42°C and nighttime lows around 29°C (see Fig. 1), increasing the risk of rapid deterioration for livestock, crops, and soil. Converse- ly, highland areas such as Sana'a, Ibb, and Taiz will see more moderate and agriculturally favorable tem- peratures, with daytime highs of 31–34°C and nighttime lows of 14–18°C.
Dust Conditions: During the last ten days of May 2025, high dust concentrations (up to 2000 μg/m3) are anticipated in Yemen's northern desert areas, a consequence of the dry season. Moderate dust levels may also affect elevated coastal regions (see Fig. 2). Driven by seasonal low-pressure systems and strong winds, these dust events are expected to reduce visibility and air quality, posing significant risks to both human health and agriculture.