Southern Togo faces heightened flood risk in upcoming rainy season

Agriculture

Wednesday, 04 March 2026 12:48

Southern Togo faces heightened flood risk in upcoming rainy season

(Togo First) - Southern Togo could face heavy rainfall and flooding during the 2026 rainy season, which typically runs from March to July. Climate experts warn that above-average rainfall may occur in the first half of the season across several coastal areas of the Gulf of Guinea.

The forecasts were presented in Lomé during the PRESAGG 2026 regional forum, organized by the AGRHYMET Regional Centre with meteorological services from Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.

According to the experts, the southern regions of these countries, including Togo, could see above-average rainfall between March and May. This may increase flooding risks, particularly in densely populated coastal cities where drainage infrastructure is often inadequate.

Forecasts also indicate an early to normal start to the rainy season, an early to normal end, and short to normal dry spells. In coastal basins, river flows are expected to be average to above average.

Climatologists are therefore urging authorities and communities to strengthen prevention measures. They recommend limiting settlement in flood-prone areas, raising public awareness and reinforcing disaster management systems.

The outlook comes after a period of climate disruptions in Togo. In late 2025 and early 2026, rising sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Guinea contributed to unusual rainfall, altering seasonal wind and rainfall patterns in the south of the country.

Like several of its West African neighbours, Togo is experiencing increasingly pronounced seasonal variability, highlighting the need for closer monitoring of climate conditions to anticipate risks for populations and agriculture.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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