Ghana Meteorological Agency warns of extreme heat and drought

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued an advisory warning of a significantly hotter and drier dry season due to a strengthening El Niño weather pattern. The agency reports a 96 percent likelihood that the El Niño event will reach very strong intensity between November 2026 and January 2027, based on projections from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The impact is expected to begin in late November 2026, with peak heat stress projected between February and April 2027. Northern Ghana is identified as the region most vulnerable to these extreme temperatures.

Beyond immediate heat risks, the advisory outlines potential long-term consequences for the country, including risks to rain-fed agriculture and cocoa production. There are also concerns regarding water levels and potential threats to hydropower stability as late as 2028.