Why Harmattan Has Not Fully Arrived in Ghana

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has attributed the unusual delay in the onset of the 2025/2026 Harmattan season to fluctuating atmospheric wind patterns and unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Guinea, a situation that has allowed rainfall to persist across parts of the country well into December.

In a public weather advisory issued via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, GMet explained that the Inter-Tropical Boundary (ITB)—the zone where dry Saharan air meets moist maritime air—has remained farther north than is typical for this time of year. This abnormal positioning, combined with warm ocean temperatures, has sustained moisture over Ghana, delaying the dominance of the dry Harmattan winds.

According to the Agency, the delay has been evident across both southern and northern Ghana. While December usually marks peak dryness in the north and a full transition into Harmattan conditions nationwide, several areas in the south have continued to record rainfall—an occurrence GMet describes as statistically rare for the period. Even northern regions, which are expected to be dry and dusty by now, have experienced occasional rains.

GMet noted that the persistence of moisture from the Gulf of Guinea has prevented the dry Saharan air mass from fully advancing southwards, resulting in a weakened Harmattan presence so far.

Outlook for Early 2026

Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2026, the Meteorological Agency forecasts a generally weak Harmattan season across much of the country, though it cautioned that sporadic episodes of severe conditions may still occur.

Northern Ghana is expected to experience significantly drier and dustier conditions as the season progresses, with reduced visibility likely during periods of intensified Saharan winds. In contrast, forest zones and coastal areas may continue to see localized rainfall due to ongoing ITB fluctuations and sustained warm ocean temperatures.

Regional Impacts

GMet further explained that while northern areas could be affected by occasional intense dust plumes, the middle belt and coastal regions are likely to experience a milder dry season. Higher humidity levels and fewer hazy days are anticipated in the south, with less pronounced drops in early morning temperatures and reduced skin dryness compared to typical Harmattan conditions.

However, the Agency cautioned that brief dust incursions could still occur nationwide whenever Saharan winds temporarily strengthen.

GMet has advised the public to stay informed through official weather updates, as conditions may change rapidly despite the overall expectation of a weak Harmattan season.

 

 

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