CRA: Weather in Cocoa Growing Areas Through 14 January 2025

West Africa. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have continued to see little rain. The average 30-day sum at VG stations in Côte d’Ivoire has been 9 mm and in Ghana 12 mm. Averages at national stations have been less. “Average rain” does not mean “uniform”. It reflects a few millimeters one day at one place and a few millimeters another day at another place. Temperatures still are high. At Côte d’Ivoire national stations, the average high was 35.4°C during early Jan compared to 34.7°C normal. The average low was 22.5°C compared to a normal of 19.3°C. VG stations, which are outside the warm cities, reported 33.6°C and 21.5°C. Reports from Ghana were similar. Relative humidity at VG stations during early Jan averaged 67% in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. This is within the range of humidity reports during recent Harmattans. Weather in Nigeria has been similar. Anecdotes from Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria tell that although rain amounts have been very low and still are low, the Harmattan has been light. Although rain is needed, its absence is not yet causing extensive losses.

Other areas. After four dry months, rain in Ecuador’s cocoa areas is returning. National stations near cocoa reported 95 mm during the 30 days through 10 Jan. VG stations reported 89 mm during 30 days through 14 Jan and that rain has been accelerating. Temperatures still are high at national stations and often set records. VG stations report that temperatures have been average compared to recent years. Anecdotes tell that weather is perfect for cocoa. Rain in Peru’s cocoa area has fluctuated since Oct around its long-term average. In Brazil near the Bahia cocoa area, rain has slowed extensively since early Oct. The 30-day average was half of normal through Dec, then slowed in Jan to 9 mm/10%. There have been some very recent storms that will add to these amounts. Rain for Para’s cocoa started late but is increasing. The 30-day total through 10 Jan was close to normal at about 220 mm. Maximum temperatures in Bahia and Para have decreased but remain high compared to norms, especially in Para. Sulawesi rain is fluctuating around normal with the medium-term oscillations typical of the equatorial Pacific. ENSO. The U.S. met office considers that a weak La Niña is present and will continue through about Apr.accelerating. Temperatures