Weather alert: torrential rain and thunderstorms expected until Friday, several regions under high alert

Following the first rainfall recorded yesterday evening and confirmed this Thursday morning over a large portion of the national territory, the National Agency for Civil Aviation and Meteorology (Anacim) is calling for the utmost caution.

A weather warning, valid from Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 AM to Friday, September 25th at 6:00 AM, announces widespread rain and thunderstorms with a risk of particularly heavy rainfall. According to the forecast, the weather will remain very unsettled throughout the day and night. Showers and thunderstorms may occur at any time, sometimes accompanied by strong gusts of wind.

The South and Central-West are on red alert

Anacim has placed several areas of the country on high alert, where rainfall totals could exceed the critical threshold of 100 mm. The main areas affected are localities in the central and southwestern regions:

. Central regions: Fatick, Kaolack, Nioro du Rip and Guinguinéo.

South-West regions: Ziguinchor, Oussouye, Bignona, Sédhiou, Goudomp and Bounkiling.

These exceptional volumes of water raise serious concerns about the risk of rapid flooding and significant urban runoff in these areas.

Dakar, Thiès and the peanut basin under moderate vigilance

A moderate weather alert is in effect for much of the West and Central regions, with rainfall expected between 50 and 100 mm. This area includes the metropolitan capital and its greater metropolitan area, as well as:

Western and Central Axis: Dakar, Thiès, Tivaouane, Mbour, Bambey, Diourbel, Mbacké and Kébémer.

. Interior sectors: Linguère, Kaffrine, Koungheul, Koumpentoum, as well as certain localities in Tambacounda and Kolda.

Residents of these areas, particularly in sectors vulnerable to water stagnation, are advised to limit their non-essential travel during the most intense episodes.

North and East: low alert but evolving situation

The rest of the country is under low alert, with rainfall totals estimated between 20 and 49 mm. The affected areas include Saint-Louis, Dagana, Podor, Louga, Matam, Ranérou, Kanel, Bakel, Goudiry and Kédougou.

Anacim emphasizes that the weather situation remains very fluid and recommends that the public carefully follow upcoming update bulletins.