Current Weather in Touba

Cultural and meteorological awareness regarding climate in Senegal is closely linked to agriculture, religion, and urban life, founded on a distinct seasonal cycle of dry and rainy seasons. People's sensitivity to weather and their responses emphasize coexistence with nature and practical living.

Integration of Seasonal Awareness and Daily Rhythm

Two Main Divisions: Dry Season and Rainy Season

• In Senegal, the dry season (November to May) and the rainy season (June to October) constitute the central climatic cycle.
• This clear seasonal difference affects the timing of crop cultivation, religious events, and school calendars.

Close Relationship Between Climate and Agriculture

• In rural areas, rainfall is key to life and income, and awareness of weather changes is very high.
• The planting of crops such as millet and peanuts is done in anticipation of the onset of the rainy season, with local weather observation and oral wisdom still being utilized.

Relationship Between Religious Culture and Weather

Islamic Culture and Rain Prayers

• About 95% of Senegal's population is Muslim, and the “rain prayer ceremony (Salat al-Istisqa)” is performed during delays in the rainy season or during droughts.
• There is a link between weather and faith, with the belief that rain is a blessing from God being deeply rooted.

Fasting and Climate Adaptation

• During Ramadan, there is a culture of engaging in activities early in the morning or at night to avoid daytime heat, leading to the development of a religious lifestyle adapted to the climate.

Adaptation to Weather in Urban Areas

Cultural Winds from the Sea in Dakar

• In the capital Dakar, the sea breeze (Harmattan) frequently appears in daily conversation, where wisdom about coolness and dust is shared.
• In housing design and urban transportation, climatic considerations are emphasized in design.

Street Business and Weather Sensitivity

• People working outdoors (such as vendors and traffic marshals) predict rain by observing cloud movements and wind changes, preparing for and taking down their setups accordingly.
• In environments without access to television or smartphones, “weather prediction through intuition” is highly valued.

Modern Challenges and Cultural Fusion

Concerns about Climate Change and Community Initiatives

• In response to increasing drought frequency and changing rainfall patterns, NGOs and the government are promoting “meteorological education” and the “introduction of agricultural weather forecasting”.
• A blend of traditional knowledge and modern data technologies is being sought.

Climate Awareness in Music and Art

• In both traditional music and contemporary art, expressions themed around rain and wind can be seen, with a reverence for nature alive in artistic culture.
• Example: rhythms for rainmaking with percussion, symbolism of clouds and sun depicted in murals.

Summary

The culture regarding climate in Senegal is supported by a unique sensibility that reveres nature and adapts to weather, merging practical wisdom with faith and art. People face the changing climate flexibly and pragmatically, drawing on both past wisdom and modern technology.