Current Weather in Kassala

In Sudan, arid and humid areas coexist, deeply rooted in the culture of life influenced by the blessings of the Nile River and a harsh desert climate. Weather significantly impacts agriculture, animal husbandry, and daily living, with people having lived by interpreting weather signs since ancient times.

Recognition of Seasons and Calendar

Division of Rainy and Dry Seasons

• In the north, a long dry season (October to May) prevails, with very little rainfall.
• In the south, there is a short rainy season (June to September), directly linked to the growing period of crops.
• Traditional calendars discern the onset of rainfall by the color of the earth, using the "sign of the return of green" as a seasonal cue.

Irrigation and Nile River Culture

Water Management Practices of the Nile River

• The annual flooding of the Nile River has been the foundation of irrigation agriculture since ancient times.
• Techniques for mobility and water storage prepared for flood season have developed using elevated houses and canal networks.
• Traditional dug wells known as "Hafiri" are used to secure water during the dry season.

Adaptation of Clothing and Living Environment

Protection Against Sunlight and Sandstorms

• Thin, loose long garments (Trobe) are typical for skin protection and temperature regulation.
• A large scarf (Galabiya) is wrapped around the head to shield from sandstorms and intense sunlight.
• Thick mud wall houses and lattice windows called "Malakib" are used to block sunlight.

Festivals and Seasonal Events

Milestones of Harvesting and Pastoralism

• After the rainy season, gatherings known as "Haramain Festival" are held to celebrate the harvest.
• At the end of the dry season, camel racing competitions among nomads are organized, serving as a venue for community interaction.
• The "Watts Festival," which celebrates the water level of the Nile River, involves worship and offerings by the riverbank throughout the year.

Modern Weather Information and Challenges

Current Status of Weather Forecasting

• In urban areas, an increasing number of people check weekly weather information through television, radio, and smartphone apps.
• Concerns are growing over the increased risk of drought and floods due to the extreme conditions of dry and rainy seasons, heightening interest in disaster prevention information.
• There is a significant disparity in information access between regions, with oral weather predictions still prevalent in rural areas.

Summary

Sudan's climate awareness is shaped by the adaptation to the natural environment and dependence on the Nile River, where tradition and modern technology intersect.