Current Weather in Rosso

Cultural and meteorological awareness regarding the climate of Mauritania is deeply intertwined with the harsh natural environment of the Sahel region and the Sahara Desert, significantly influencing people’s lifestyles, religious events, and social structures. Below, the relationship between climate and culture in Mauritania is introduced from multiple perspectives.

Living Culture Rooted in Dry Regions

Coexistence of Desert Climate and Nomadic Culture

• Much of Mauritania is characterized by an extremely dry desert area, where a lifestyle based on nomadism and mobility rather than settlement has been sustained for a long time.
• To cope with extreme variations in temperature and rainfall, flexible lifestyles such as tent-based dwellings (keima) and movement along water sources have become established.

Traditional Clothing and Climate Adaptation

• "Dara'a" and "Melhafa" are functionality-focused garments designed to protect against heat, dryness, and sandstorms.
• Emphasis is placed on balancing breathability and sun protection, with adaptations in clothing color, material, and wrapping techniques reflecting wisdom in climate response.

Connection Between Weather and Beliefs/Spiritual Culture

Culture of Gratitude and Prayer for Rain

• In Mauritania, rain is regarded as a blessing from God, and rituals such as "prayers for rain" to welcome the rains at the end of the dry season are widely practiced.
• Particularly in desert and Sahel areas, rainfall is critically important as it determines the lives of livestock and the sustainability of agriculture, holding significant spiritual meaning.

Relationship Between Islamic Calendar and Climate

• Islamic events (such as Ramadan and the Feast of Sacrifice) are based on a lunar calendar, with annual variations in climatic conditions.
• The fasting during the extreme heat of summer is particularly harsh, and the practice of waiting for sunset and temperature drop before eating has become a cultural norm.

Environmental Changes and Social Responses

Desertification and Urban Concentration

• Desertification is progressing due to climate change and overgrazing, accelerating population concentration in the capital Nouakchott and coastal areas.
• The transition from traditional pastoral life to the unstable labor environment in urban areas has emerged as a social issue.

Introduction of Modern Weather Information and Challenges

• While weather forecasting has advanced through satellite data, there are significant regional disparities in infrastructure development and access to information, with experiential knowledge being predominant in rural areas.
• With the spread of mobile phones, grassroots initiatives such as weather SMS distribution are gradually taking root.

Seasonal Living Strategies for Dry and Rainy Seasons

Annual Climate Patterns and Responses

• Mauritania is characterized by a rainy season (June to September) and a long dry season, where the basic strategy is to secure crops and pasture during the rainy season and survive the dry season.
• In some regions, seasonal movements such as temporarily relocating near the Niger River for farming or grazing have become survival strategies.

Relationship Between Climate and Food Culture

• Staples harvested during the rainy season include millet, sorghum, and dairy products, forming the core of the food culture.
• During the dry season, preserved foods such as dried meat, stored grains, and camel milk are utilized, reflecting an emphasis on food preservation.

Conclusion

The climate awareness in Mauritania is shaped around coexistence, adaptation, and gratitude towards the harsh natural environment, and even in modern times, these values are strongly passed down. The connection between weather and culture continues to function as the foundation of the local community, amidst urbanization and climate change.