Richard-Toll Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Senegal

Hot and Dry Season (November – May)

During the hot and dry season, Richard-Toll experiences scorching heat and minimal precipitation. Temperatures soar to an average high of 35°C (95°F) and can reach as high as 45°C (113°F) during the hottest months. The humidity is typically low, averaging around 30%, making it feel even hotter. This season is characterized by a consistent lack of rain, with only sporadic showers or thunderstorms occurring.

Warm and Wet Season (June – October)

The warm and wet season brings a noticeable shift in weather patterns. Temperatures remain warm but slightly lower, with an average high of 32°C (90°F). Humidity increases significantly, creating a muggy and oppressive atmosphere. Rainfall becomes more frequent and intense, particularly during the months of July and August. Thunderstorms are common during this season, often accompanied by heavy downpours that can occasionally lead to flooding.

Monthly Average Temperatures

Richard-Toll, located in northern Senegal, experiences warm temperatures throughout the year. The average monthly temperatures vary little, with only a slight increase during the April to June period. The warmest months are April and May, with average temperatures hovering around 33°C (91°F). The coolest months are December and January, with average temperatures dropping to around 23°C (73°F).

Rainfall and Humidity

Rainfall is infrequent in Richard-Toll, with most occurring during the July to September rainy season. During this time, the humidity levels rise, leading to a more humid and uncomfortable climate. The annual rainfall amounts to approximately 300-400 mm, much lower than in other parts of Senegal. As a result, the region is prone to droughts.

Cloud Types and Characteristics

Richard-Toll experiences a variety of cloud types throughout the year. During the dry season (November to May), the sky is often clear or partly cloudy with isolated cumulus or cirrus clouds. The cumulus clouds are typically shallow and white, while the cirrus clouds are thin and wispy. During the rainy season (June to October), the sky is often overcast with stratus or nimbostratus clouds. The stratus clouds are flat and gray, while the nimbostratus clouds are thicker and darker and produce rain or drizzle.

Cloud Cover and Precipitation

Cloud cover over Richard-Toll varies significantly throughout the year. During the dry season, cloud cover is typically low, with a daily average of less than 3 oktas (eighths of the sky covered by clouds). During the rainy season, cloud cover is much higher, with a daily average of over 7 oktas. This increased cloud cover contributes to the higher precipitation rates during the rainy season, as clouds form and release rainfall.

Monthly Precipitation Patterns

Richard-Toll, Senegal experiences a distinct wet and dry season with marked variations in precipitation throughout the year. The wet season typically spans from June to October, during which time heavy rainfall is common. Peak precipitation occurs in August, with an average of over 250 mm of rain. Conversely, the dry season extends from November to May and is characterized by very little rainfall. During this time, monthly precipitation typically remains below 20 mm.

Annual Precipitation Totals

Richard-Toll’s annual precipitation varies considerably from year to year, but on average, the city receives approximately 450-550 mm of rainfall. This amount is relatively low compared to other parts of Senegal and is influenced by its location in the Sahel region. The Sahel is characterized by a semi-arid climate and experiences frequent droughts. However, despite its low annual precipitation, Richard-Toll is still susceptible to flooding during the wet season due to its proximity to the Senegal River and the heavy rainfall it receives during that time.

Climate of Richard-Toll

Richard-Toll, a city in northern Senegal, experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, which typically lasts from June to October, is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. During this time, the average monthly rainfall can exceed 200 millimeters. In contrast, the dry season, which extends from November to May, is much drier, with average monthly rainfall below 50 millimeters.

Rainfall Patterns

The distribution of rainfall in Richard-Toll varies year-to-year, but generally follows a predictable seasonal pattern. The wettest months are typically August and September, when the city can experience torrential downpours and thunderstorms. During the dry season, rainfall is much less frequent, and the city may go several months without significant precipitation. The annual average rainfall in Richard-Toll is around 600 millimeters, which makes it one of the wetter cities in Senegal. However, it is important to note that rainfall variability is common, and the city can experience periods of both above- and below-average precipitation.

History of Snowfall in Richard-Toll, Senegal

Richard-Toll, a city in northern Senegal, has never experienced snowfall. The city is located in a tropical climate zone, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. The closest location to Richard-Toll that has experienced snowfall is the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, approximately 1,500 kilometers away.

Climate of Richard-Toll, Senegal

Richard-Toll has a hot and humid climate, with average temperatures ranging from 25.6°C to 32.2°C (78.1°F to 90.0°F) throughout the year. The city receives an average of 508 millimeters (20 inches) of rainfall annually, most of which occurs during the rainy season from May to October. The prevailing wind direction is from the northeast, carrying warm and moist air from the Sahara Desert. The city of Richard-Toll is located in the Senegal River Valley, which is a flood plain, making it more humid and prone to flooding during the rainy season.

Sunrise and Sunset

The sun’s movement in Richard-Toll, Senegal, is influenced by its location in the northern hemisphere and its proximity to the equator. Sunrises generally occur between 6:30 and 7:00 AM local time throughout the year, while sunsets take place between 6:30 and 7:00 PM. The slight variations in sunrise and sunset timings are primarily due to the Earth’s tilt during its orbit around the sun and the changing length of daylight throughout the seasons.

Seasonal Sun Exposure

Richard-Toll experiences a tropical savanna climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, which typically runs from June to October, cloud cover increases, reducing the amount of direct sunlight received. This period often brings heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, resulting in shorter periods of sunshine and higher humidity. Conversely, during the dry season, from November to May, the skies are generally clearer, allowing for more extended hours of sunshine. As a result, temperatures can soar, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the hottest months.

Moonrise and Moonset Times

The Moon in Richard-Toll, Senegal, rises and sets at varying times throughout the month and year. The exact timing depends on factors such as the date and time of year, as well as the observer’s location within Richard-Toll. However, general patterns can be observed. During the full Moon, it generally rises around sunset and sets around sunrise. During the new Moon, it is not visible from Earth.

Moon Phases

The Moon goes through a cycle of phases as it orbits Earth. In Richard-Toll, Senegal, these phases are visible in the night sky, weather permitting. The new Moon is the phase when the Moon is not illuminated by the Sun and is therefore invisible to us on Earth. The full Moon is the phase when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun and appears as a bright disc in the sky. The phases between the new and full Moon include the waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent.

Seasonal Variations

Humidity levels in Richard-Toll, Senegal, exhibit significant seasonal variations. During the dry season, which typically spans from November to May, relative humidity tends to be low, averaging around 30%. This is because the region experiences a dominant northeasterly trade wind, known as the Harmattan, which brings dry air from the Sahara Desert. Consequently, the atmosphere during this period is dry, with clear skies and minimal cloud cover.

Wet Season Humidity

In contrast, the wet season, which extends from June to October, is characterized by high humidity. Relative humidity during this time typically ranges from 70% to 90%, with occasional peaks exceeding 95%. The increase in humidity is attributed to the influx of moist air from the southwest, brought by the West African monsoon. The monsoon winds carry ample moisture, leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation. As a result, the atmosphere during the wet season is humid, with frequent rainfall and high levels of condensation.

Wind Patterns in Richard-Toll, Senegal

Richard-Toll, Senegal, experiences distinct seasonal wind patterns. During the dry season (October to April), the predominant wind direction is northeasterly known as the harmattan. Harmattan winds originate from the Sahara Desert and carry significant amounts of dust and sand particles, leading to hazy and often irritating conditions. The harmattan is particularly strong in January and February, reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour (30 miles per hour).

During the rainy season (May to September), the wind direction shifts to southwesterly, known as the monsoon. Monsoon winds originate from the Atlantic Ocean and bring in moisture-laden air, contributing to the heavy rainfall characteristic of this season. The monsoon winds tend to be weaker than the harmattan, with average speeds ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers per hour (6 to 12 miles per hour). The transition between the harmattan and monsoon winds marks the onset and end of the rainy season, respectively.

Best time to visit in Richard-Toll, Senegal: Climate

The best time to visit Richard-Toll, Senegal is during the dry season, which runs from October to May. During this time, the weather is generally warm and sunny, with little rainfall. Temperatures in January and February can reach up to 35 degrees Celsius. March and April are a bit cooler, with temperatures in the mid-20s. May is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

Best time to visit in Richard-Toll, Senegal: Annual events

Another factor to consider when planning your trip is the annual events that take place in Richard-Toll. The most popular event is the Saint Louis Jazz Festival, which is held in May. This festival attracts musicians from all over the world and features a variety of musical genres, including jazz, blues, and traditional Senegalese music.

Another popular event is the Richard-Toll International Tourism Fair, which is held in November. This fair showcases the culture and traditions of Senegal in addition of surrounding countries and offers a variety of activities, including traditional dancing, cooking demonstrations, and arts and crafts exhibitions.

Potential for Solar Energy in Richard-Toll, Senegal

Richard-Toll, a city in northern Senegal, boasts abundant solar energy potential due to its strategic location in the Sahel region. The city enjoys high levels of solar irradiance throughout the year, with an average of over 3000 sunshine hours annually. This favorable solar resource makes Richard-Toll an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.

The development of solar energy projects in Richard-Toll has the potential to address the growing energy demands of the city and surrounding areas. The city’s proximity to the Senegal River and its well-established agricultural sector provides opportunities for integration with solar irrigation and other energy-intensive activities. Moreover, the government’s ambitious targets for renewable energy generation and its supportive policies create a favorable investment climate for solar developers. As a result, Richard-Toll has the potential to become a hub for renewable energy production, driving sustainable development and economic growth in the region.

Topography of Richard-Toll, Senegal

Richard-Toll, a city in northern Senegal, is situated on the floodplains of the Senegal River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The topography of the area is characterized by a flat, low-lying landscape, with an average elevation of only a few meters above sea level. The region is crisscrossed by numerous tidal creeks and channels, which form a complex network of waterways. Extensive floodplains surround the city, making it vulnerable to seasonal flooding during the rainy season. The vegetation is predominantly composed of mangrove forests, salt marshes, and grasslands, with some areas of agricultural land.

The Senegal River Delta, where Richard-Toll is located, is a unique and ecologically important area. The delta is formed by the sediment deposits carried by the Senegal River as it enters the Atlantic Ocean. This sediment accumulation has created a vast, intricate system of islands, channels, and mudflats. The delta provides a rich habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many endangered and migratory species. The area is also important for agriculture, with extensive rice cultivation in the floodplains.

Saint-Louis Airport

The nearest airport to Richard-Toll, Senegal, is Saint-Louis Airport (XLS), located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) to the west. The airport is served by Air Senegal, Senegal’s national airline, which operates regular flights to Dakar, the capital city. The flight time from Dakar to Saint-Louis is approximately 45 minutes. From Saint-Louis Airport, travelers can take a taxi or bus to reach Richard-Toll, which takes about 30 minutes.

Other Nearby Airports

In addition to Saint-Louis Airport, there are two other airports within a reasonable distance of Richard-Toll. Oumar Sarr International Airport (DKR) in Dakar is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) to the southwest, and Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) to the southwest. However, both of these airports are significantly farther away than Saint-Louis Airport and require longer travel times to reach Richard-Toll.

History and Economic Significance

Richard-Toll, a city located in northwestern Senegal, is steeped in a rich history and plays a vital role in the region’s economy. Founded in the late 19th century by the French colonial administration, it served as an important trading hub and transportation center. Today, Richard-Toll remains a significant economic center, primarily due to its proximity to the Senegal River and the rice-growing industry. It is home to one of the largest rice mills in Africa, as well as a number of other agricultural processing plants. The city also boasts a thriving transportation network, with a major highway and railway connecting it to other parts of Senegal and neighboring countries.

Climate and Tourism Potential

Richard-Toll experiences a tropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and warm, relatively dry winters. Temperatures typically range from the low 60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The city is also prone to occasional rainfall, especially during the rainy season from June to October. Despite the challenging climate, Richard-Toll offers some tourism potential. The Senegal River, which flows through the city, provides opportunities for water sports and wildlife viewing. Additionally, the city’s cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture and local traditions, which can be of interest to visitors seeking a glimpse into Senegalese culture. With its diverse economy and potential for tourism, Richard-Toll is poised for future growth and development.