Current Weather in Makeni

Sierra Leone is located in West Africa and is a country that belongs to a tropical climate. This climate deeply influences the lifestyle, religious events, and agricultural activities of its people, with distinct seasonal differences between the dry season and the rainy season reflected in various aspects of culture and society. Here, we introduce several perspectives on the cultural and meteorological awareness regarding Sierra Leone's climate.

Lifestyles Rooted in the Dry and Rainy Seasons

Changes in Lifestyle Rhythm by Season

• During the dry season (November to April), outdoor activities and construction work become active, and many festivals and events are held.
• In the rainy season (May to October), while agricultural work intensifies, it is also important to prepare for road flooding and landslides.

The Arrival of the Rainy Season and Its Blessings

• The first rain is regarded as "the blessing of life," and prayers and rituals of gratitude may take place in rural areas.
• In regions where securing water is crucial, the preparation of wells and water storage facilities becomes part of seasonal festivities.

Connection between Agriculture and Climate Awareness

Agricultural Calendar and Weather

• The cultivation of rice, cassava, and peanuts is influenced by the intensity and timing of the rains, so observing the weather is essential for daily life.
• Local farmers have inherited traditional knowledge that allows them to interpret the weather from the movement of clouds and changes in the wind.

Climate Change and Response

• Recently, abnormal weather conditions (such as prolonged rain and drought) have led to unstable harvests, increasing the importance of climate information.
• Meteorological information services provided by NGOs and government organizations are gradually spreading into rural areas.

Different Meteorological Awareness in Urban and Rural Areas

Urban Culture in Freetown

• In the capital, Freetown, weather forecasts are disseminated through radio and social media, and people utilize them for commuting, schooling, and choosing transportation methods.
• Weather information is also increasingly being used to avoid traffic jams and the risk of flooding.

Traditional Weather Observations in Rural Areas

• Cultural practices that rely on signs from nature, such as interpreting "the croaking of frogs" or "the color of the sky" to predict the weather, remain strong.
• Such observations are shared across generations and are valued as community wisdom.

Relationship between Religion, Rituals, and Climate

Temperature Measures during the Month of Fasting

• In areas with a large Muslim population, measures to cope with high temperatures during the fasting month (Ramadan) are emphasized, concentrating activities in the cooler morning and evening hours.
• Traditional architectural techniques that enhance ventilation in mosques and homes are part of the wisdom for adapting to the climate.

Festivals and Climate

• Harvest thanksgiving before the rainy season, weddings, and coming-of-age ceremonies during the dry season are closely related to the weather, merging climate and culture.

Climate Education and Inheritance to Future Generations

Meteorological and Environmental Education in Schools

• In primary education, weather education rooted in the local context, such as the differences between the rainy and dry seasons and the relationship between agriculture and weather, is being integrated.
• Awareness regarding environmental protection and climate change is gradually increasing.

Oral Traditions of Climate Culture

• Many poems, songs, and folktales include teachings about seasonal awareness and coexistence with nature, allowing children to learn about climate knowledge naturally.

Summary

The climate awareness in Sierra Leone is practical and closely connected to daily life, characterized by a cumulative wisdom and culture based on the connection with nature. A unique meteorological culture has formed, where modern information tools coexist with traditional observation methods.