CRA: Weather In Cocoa Growing Areas Through 17 August 2024

West Africa. Rain has increased in Côte d’Ivoire and points to improving crop prospects. A report from Yamoussoukro airport claimed that almost 300 millimeters fell on 13 Aug. This probably was an error. Other stations near Yamoussoukro reported 30-50 mm. Ten VG stations in northern cocoa areas reported 20-85 mm on 13 Aug. Increases in rain have not yet been reported by Ghana’s national or Veriground stations.

The rain in Côte d’Ivoire likely means that the ITF has started to return south. The Jul-Aug dry period therefore will be short. CRA has noted before that Jul-Aug rain of this season has followed the pattern of 2020 when despite low rain, the crops of West Africa set records that have not been repeated. A new report about Ghana’s crop shows higher pod numbers than in most past seasons.

Veriground real-time weather charts watch cocoa areas of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Ecuador and show rain, humidity and temperature. The charts are updated usually 0-12 hours after collection. Use the link above. For help, contact CRA. Charts of traditional sources for major origins are here.

Media have told that weather in West Africa has been hot and dry. The national and Veriground stations do not show this except that some afternoon temperatures were above normal early in 2024. The media may be repeating old reports or using temperatures in the cities where population growth, little shade, and construction raise temperatures.

Other areas. Rain near Bahia’s cocoa may have entered another heavy period like three earlier periods of 2024 when rain knocked flowers from trees and supported the spread of black pod fungus. Reports from farmers tell of losses. In contrast to near-normal temperatures in West Africa, afternoon temperatures in Bahia have been reaching new highs while morning temperatures have sometimes made new lows. In recent reports, CRA has reduced its crop forecast for Bahia. Rain in Para has slowed almost to nil. Although Para rain is usually low during Jul-Sep, the current low rain merits attention. Temperatures there are making new afternoon highs and new morning lows, meaning less cloud cover and less humidity. Rain in the cocoa areas of Ecuador has been light and typical for the season. Temperatures in Ecuador at WMO stations and VG stations have been declining for several months and residents have expressed concern for the crop. ENSO. Unchanged. Conditions in the Pacific are drifting toward a La Niña during second half 2024.

— Steven Haws, Matthew Haws, Stephen Dunn

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