(Nairobi – 26 May 2018) The latest forecast from the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) indicates that the Tropical Cyclone MEKUNU has landfall over Yemen.
The tropical cyclone MEKUNU has crossed the coasts of Yemen is largely inland at 0600 GMT 26 May. It is causing heavy rainfall and flooding in the region. Figure 1 shows infrared satellite image of this cyclone on 26 May 2018 at 0600 GMT.
The latest forecast from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model run at ICPAC indicates a further weakening of the tropical storm while producing heavy rainfall in Yemen. This cyclone now poses no threat to Somalia. Light rainfall is expected across southern Somalia (Figure 3). Moderate to strong wind is expected across Somalia’s Puntland (20-30 m/s; Figure 4).
