Good seasonal progression in the Bi-modal and Guinean - Sudanian zones
KEY MESSAGES
Normal to above - normal rainfall levels fell over the southwestern corner of the region (Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Guinea Bissau), marking a timely onset of the rains in this part of West Africa .
Above - average rainfall levels fell over most of the bi-modal zone in May, ending a dry spell that had been affecting the western part of the zone during the second half of April. Good soil moisture conditions are improving the development of crops in this region.
The month of May was marked by slightly to moderately below - average rainfall levels a cross northern Nigeria. However so far, this is not expected to negatively impact harvests that normally begin in October .