Hydromet Bulletin April 2026

The expected weather conditions for the coming month of May indicate a predominantly humid to wet scenario across most of Ethiopia’s major river basins, with important implications for water resources, agriculture, and energy production. In particular, the Baro Akobo, Omo Gibe, Genale Dawa, Central Rift Valley, Wabi Shebele, and Abay basins are projected to experience above-normal moisture conditions. This widespread availability of rainfall will likely enhance surface runoff, soil moisture recharge, and river discharge, thereby creating favorable conditions for irrigation agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and hydropower generation. Reservoir inflows are expected to improve, supporting dam operations and increasing the potential for reliable electricity production during and following the season. Given these favorable Hydrometeorological conditions, it is highly recommended to strengthen water harvesting, storage, and management practices, particularly in areas where rainfall is seasonal and highly variable. Special attention should be given to maximizing the capture of excess runoff during the kiremt season in non-beneficiary or moisture-deficit zones, to ensure water availability during subsequent dry periods. Effective planning at both local and basin levels will be essential to reduce water loss and improve resilience against intra-seasonal variability. In contrast, the Aysha, Mereb–Gash, and Ogaden basins are expected to remain under partial dry weather conditions. These areas will likely continue to experience limited rainfall, higher evaporation demand, and persistent water stress. As a result, water resources in these regions may remain constrained, requiring adaptive measures such as efficient groundwater use, water conservation practices, and drought preparedness strategies. Overall, while the majority of the country is expected to benefit from improved hydrological conditions, spatial disparities in rainfall distribution highlight the need for integrated water resource management that balances surplus and deficit regions effectively.