Heat conditions to worsen from February 2027; here’s how to protect yourself

Ghana is expected to experience intense heat conditions from February 2027, with the northern parts of the country likely to face the highest levels of heat stress, according to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet).

In its seasonal weather outlook, the agency identified February to April 2027 as the period when heat stress is expected to be most pronounced, urging residents to take precautions to protect their health and manage the effects of the hot conditions.

GMet has advised the public to drink enough water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day and check on vulnerable people, including older persons, young children and those who are unwell.

Residents in the northern parts of the country have also been urged to limit exposure to dust where possible and seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, severe headache or a stiff neck.

The agency has further advised farmers to follow weather updates and guidance from GMet and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture before planting or replanting. They have also been encouraged to consider early-maturing and drought-tolerant crop varieties where suitable and avoid bush burning.

Although rainfall is expected to be below normal in many areas during the dry season, GMet has cautioned that short, heavy downpours and localised flooding remain possible.

Communities along the Volta River and those in low-lying urban areas have therefore been advised to continue following safety updates from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Volta River Authority (VRA).

The agency has also urged the public to conserve water and rely on official sources for weather information and updates as the season progresses.

The heat phenomenon is being triggered by a very strong El Niño develops in the Pacific Ocean. El Niño is a climate pattern marked by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean

GMet noted that Ghana had experienced the effects of previous El Niño events, including the very strong episodes of 1982/83, 1997/98 and 2015/16, as well as the moderate 2023/24 event. These episodes highlighted the country’s vulnerability to rainfall variations and their effects on agriculture, water resources, hydroelectric power generation and public health.