Current Weather in Dessie

Cultural and meteorological awareness of climate in Ethiopia is closely linked to various lifestyles, religious events, and agricultural rituals formed by the diverse climatic zones from the highlands to the low arid regions.

Rich Climate Diversity and Cultural Connection

Climate and Agricultural Festivals by Region

• The northern Ethiopian highlands have distinct dry (October to February) and rainy (June to September) seasons, with the post-rainy season harvest festival called "Mezengasha" being held.
• In the southern lowlands, high temperatures and aridity persist year-round, where well festivals and water source protection rituals take place in settlements around oases.

Religious Events and Seasonal Awareness

Swidden Agriculture and Rain Praying Rituals

• Ethnic groups such as the Oromo have a tradition of swidden agriculture, offering rain praying songs and dances alongside the purification of the land through fire.
• The Timkat (Epiphany Festival), based on the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar, is celebrated in January with blessings of water and prayers for the safety of the people.

Oral Culture and Weather Forecasting

Traditional Omens and Proverbs

• There is a custom of predicting the onset of the rainy season by observing the arrival of birds and the comings and goings from lizard holes.
• There is a proverb stating, "A red sunset before the rain is a sign of abundance," which has been passed down as agricultural knowledge.

Urban Life and Modern Meteorological Services

Means of Communicating Weather Information

• In the capital, Addis Ababa, alongside TV and radio weather forecasts, smartphone weather applications are widespread.
• Meteorological data is utilized in traffic management and construction planning in urban areas, emphasizing flood prevention strategies during the rainy season.

Response to Climate Change and Challenges

Aridity and Adaptation Measures

• In the northeastern Sogag region, increased aridity has progressed in recent years, prompting the introduction of drought-resistant crops and a review of pastoral movement patterns.
• The establishment of rainwater storage facilities and the promotion of weather risk insurance by NGOs and government agencies are highlighted as efforts to address these challenges.

Summary

Ethiopia's climate culture is characterized by the ongoing integration of ancient traditional knowledge with modern technology.