In general, the moisture conditions during the 2025/26 Bega (dry season) ranged from light to heavy across Southern and Central Oromia, as well as parts of the Northwest, West, and Southwest regions of Ethiopia. This moisture played a positive role by fulfilling the water requirements of late-maturing Meher crops, perennial plants, and various vegetation stages. In pastoral and semi-pastoral areas where the Bega season serves as the second rainy season the moisture improved the availability of grazing grass and drinking water, specifically creating favorable conditions for small-scale crop cultivation in the Borena and Guji zones. Additionally, moisture received during October offered a vital opportunity for water harvesting and storage in water-scarce areas. In the North, Northeast, and Central regions, this moisture was highly beneficial for pulses like chickpeas and Guaya sown in residual soil moisture, as well as for fruits, vegetables, and tree seedlings planted under the Green Legacy Initiative.

Conversely, unseasonal rainfall in the North, Northeast, East, and certain Central areas had a slight negative impact on Meher crop harvesting and post-harvest activities. Significant damage to matured crops was reported in parts of South Wollo and Debark due to rain mixed with hail in December. In contrast, some areas of southern Somalia experienced a moisture deficit that negatively affected grazing lands and water supplies. Toward the end of the Bega season, however, some moisture in the Southwest provided a slight advantage for early land preparation for the upcoming Belg season. Meanwhile, the season was also marked by extreme cold, with nighttime and early morning temperatures in the highlands of the Northeast, East, and Central regions dropping below 5°C, and in some cases, below 0°C. This cold stress had a minor negative impact on livestock health and the productivity of irrigated fruits and backyard vegetables.