Current Weather in Abidjan

The cultural and meteorological awareness of the climate in Côte d'Ivoire is manifested in a close relationship between the rhythms of the rainy and dry seasons typical of a tropical climate, agriculture, religious events, and the customs of local communities. Below, the characteristics are introduced from multiple perspectives.

Life Rooted in the Rhythms of Rainy and Dry Seasons

Integration of Agriculture and Climate

• Agriculture in Côte d'Ivoire is heavily dependent on the rainy and dry seasons.
• The rainy season is the growing period for main crops such as cacao and coffee, and the amount of rainfall is a crucial indicator that influences economic activities.
• In villages, festivals and customs celebrating the "beginning of the rain" are also well established.

Adjustment of Daily Activities to Weather

• The rainy season can disrupt transportation, school attendance, and market activities, leading people to live with a flexible schedule based on the weather.
• In urban areas, it has become common to keep rain gear ready for sudden showers.

The Relationship Between Weather and Traditional Culture/Rituals

Rain Prayers and Nature Worship

• In some regions, rituals and prayers for rain are performed during droughts or crop failures, and the climate is perceived as influenced by spirits or ancestral spirits.
• These actions are also involved in the solidarity of the community and the transmission of beliefs.

Harmony Between Climate and Festivals

• The timing of traditional festivals, dances, and initiation ceremonies tends to be concentrated in periods of clear weather during the dry season.
• Annual events are designed considering the weather, showing a resonance between climate and culture.

Handling of Meteorological Information and Modern Challenges

Penetration and Limitations of Weather Forecasts

• In urban areas, the spread of weather forecasts via television and radio is progressing, but information disparities remain in rural areas.
• In some rural areas, traditional practices still exist where people rely on natural signs (such as cloud movements and wind strength) to read the weather.

Urbanization and Climate Adaptation

• Rapid urbanization and rising temperatures have brought forth issues like flooding and heat islands in urban areas.
• Vulnerability to climate change has been pointed out, and adaptive measures (such as drainage improvement, tree planting, and education) are becoming challenges.

Changes in Education and Social Awareness

Spread of Meteorological Knowledge in School Education

• Basic meteorological knowledge (such as rainy and dry seasons, clouds, and wind) is taught in elementary education.
• The introduction of climate change education and disaster prevention education by NGOs is also in progress.

Transformation of Climate Awareness Among Youth

• Through social media and smartphones, the number of young individuals interested in climate change is increasing.
• Topics such as "global warming" and "renewable energy" are becoming widespread, particularly in urban areas.

Conclusion

Côte d'Ivoire's climate awareness has a multilayered structure of coexistence with nature, cultural heritage, and adaptation to new changes. As climate changes, the lives and values of people are also evolving, showing that culture and weather remain closely intertwined.