The late and irregular start of the rains necessitated substantial replantings or late plantings. Rains improved in late July, decreased in early and mid-August and resumed in late August. Precipitation, however, decreased significantly in September.
Cumulative rainfall is generally below normal.
As rains are now ending, late planted crops may suffer water stress and yield potential will be reduced. Pastures have regenerated satisfactorily. During September, Desert Locust hopper bands continued to mature within a wide area of the south-west. During the second half of the month, hoppers started to fledge and form new swarms, but they remained in the south-west south of Nouakchott. In the south-east, scattered adults were present at a few places in early September and an immature swarm was seen flying south.