Meteorological data from Mali confirms a notable and widespread drop in temperatures across the country. While social media users circulated an image purportedly showing snow at Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport, meteorological authorities confirm this was not an actual weather event. The image, shared on platforms like Facebook, was digitally altered.
L’ensemble du pays connaît une chute de température, plus basse qu’au début de l’installation du froid, en novembre, avec des températures minimales se situant jusqu’à 12°C par endroits. La situation va prendre fin progressivement, selon Mali-Météo.
According to official data from Mali-Météo, the national meteorological service, temperatures have fallen significantly since the onset of the cooler season in November. For example, on Monday, December 15, a temperature of 17.4°C (63.3°F) was recorded at Bamako-Sénou. The region of Taoudenni, located approximately 750 km north of Timbuktu, registered 12°C (53.6°F), marking the lowest temperature recorded in the country that day.
This period of cooler weather has been accompanied by winds and light rainfall in several localities, including the capital. The circle of Koutiala exceptionally recorded 6 mm of rain on December 15.
Meteorological Explanation
Bakary Magané, Chief of the Forecast and Meteorological Alert Office at Mali-Météo, provided an explanation for the temperature drop. “Mali experienced a sudden cold descent from Europe combined with a very high humidity rate and local heat, resulting in light rains. Also, sunshine was almost non-existent across Mali, giving a sensation of dense coolness/cold. All this was associated with a momentary strengthening of the wind,” stated the forecaster.
He clarified that while noticeable, “the records for coolness have not been broken for the moment.” The record low temperature for Bamako is estimated at 11°C (51.8°F).
Affected Regions and Forecast
Current temperature decreases vary by locality. The lowest temperatures are presently being recorded in Taoudenni, Kidal, Timbuktu, Gao, Mopti, Douentza, Bandiagara, Kayes, Nioro, and Nara. This is followed by the localities of Koulikoro, Bamako and its surroundings, Dioïla, Sikasso, Koutiala, Bougouni, and Kita.
“The situation will gradually come to an end by next Sunday,” informed the chief of the forecast office.
In the meantime, residents in Bamako are employing various traditional and modern means to protect themselves from the cold, with vendors of warm second-hand clothing at the Rail-da market reporting increased business.
Credit & Source
This report is based on information from the Mali Tribune. For the original article, please visit: Bamada.net.