Ghana Meteorological Agency warns of El Niño risks

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued a warning regarding a strong El Niño event developing in the tropical Pacific, which is expected to influence weather patterns in Ghana through the first half of 2027.

Forecasts indicate that the country may experience hotter, drier, and dustier conditions, particularly during the dry season starting in late November 2026. Heat stress is projected to be especially severe between February and April 2027, with northern Ghana being particularly vulnerable. While much of the country may see below-normal rainfall, some areas in the Forest and Transition zones, as well as parts of the Greater Accra, Central, Volta, and Eastern regions, could experience normal-to-above-normal rainfall.

GMet cautioned that despite the potential for dry spells, the risk of sudden, intense downpours and localized flooding remains for southern and Volta Basin communities. The agency noted that previous strong El Niño episodes have historically impacted agriculture, water resources, hydroelectric power generation, and public health.