Current Weather in Mogadishu

The climate awareness in Somalia is deeply rooted in lifestyles and cultural practices formed in a dry climate with limited rainfall. Particularly, features unique to dry regions can be seen, such as nomadic culture, seasonal awareness based on climate, and disaster prevention consciousness.

Life Culture Adapted to Dry Climate

Relationship Between Climate and Nomadic Life

• Somalia belongs to a hot, semi-arid to desert climate that is prone to dryness throughout the year.
• In many regions, livestock raising is the main livelihood, and a nomadic culture that moves with livestock in search of rainy seasons is established.

Rainy Season and Behavioral Patterns

• The two short rainy seasons (Gu and Deyr) that occur annually are significant for planning agriculture and pasture.
• In rural areas, sowing and the selection of grazing land are conducted with anticipation of rain, and the timing of rain occupies a core place in life planning.

Fusion of Weather Observation and Traditional Knowledge

Oral Tradition and Weather Prediction

• In many regions where modern weather observation is difficult, cultural reliance on traditional weather observation (clouds, wind, animal behavior, etc.) remains.
• Elderly people and experienced nomads pass down the skills to interpret seasonal and weather changes based on empirical rules.

Weather, Faith, and Rituals

• In areas where droughts persist, communal prayers (Islamic rain-seeking rituals) may be conducted, indicating a close relationship between weather and faith.
• A spiritual culture that perceives natural disasters as trials from nature is also established.

Drought and Disaster Prevention Awareness

Long-standing Battle with Drought

• Somalia frequently experiences droughts and water shortages, thus, awareness of securing and storing water is very high in society.
• The use of groundwater and reservoirs, along with rainwater collection systems, is emphasized, and cooperation and conflict over water resources are also cultural challenges.

Climate Change and Migration

• Climate change has led to serious overgrazing and land degradation, resulting in changes to nomads’ migration patterns and customs.
• In recent years, a trend of settling around urban areas has been observed for stable living.

Relationship Between Calendar and Climate

Islamic Calendar and Seasonal Awareness

• In Somalia, the Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar) is widely used, and religious events and phases of the moon dictate the living rhythm more than seasonal changes.
• However, the concepts of rainy and dry seasons are extremely important, and the relationship with climate is considered during religious events as well.

Linguistic Expressions of Seasons

• Local languages have vocabulary that expresses "rainy season," "windy season," etc., and a sense of season rooted in the local environment is used regularly.

Changes in Urbanization and Interest in Weather

Changes in the Capital Mogadishu

• In urban areas, weather apps and radio weather information are beginning to spread, and the importance of modern weather forecasting is being recognized.
• On the other hand, traditional knowledge still remains central in rural areas.

Drought Information and Media

• Drought warning information and rainfall predictions are being increasingly structured to be disseminated via SMS and radio through NGOs and international organizations.
• The use of weather data as a basis for humanitarian aid and movement decisions is also increasing.

Summary

Climate awareness in Somalia is formed in a unique way at the intersection of wisdom and cultural practices adapted to a dry natural environment, and changing awareness and information environments in the face of climate change. The deep connection between climate and livelihood is a significant element to consider for future sustainable living strategies.