Sannar Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Sudan

Summer

Sannar experiences a hot and dry summer season that spans from March to May. During this period, temperatures regularly soar to the high 30s and occasionally exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The heat is often accompanied by a lack of wind, leading to sweltering and oppressive conditions. The humidity levels remain low, however, providing some respite from the intense heat. Rainfall is scarce during this time of year, with little to no precipitation recorded.

Winter

The winter season in Sannar runs from November to February and brings milder temperatures. The average daytime temperature ranges from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather is generally dry, with occasional light showers or rain. The humidity levels also tend to be low, making the winter months a more pleasant time to visit Sannar than the summer.

Monthly Average Temperatures

Sannar, Sudan, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. The average monthly temperature ranges from around 86°F (30°C) in January, the coldest month, to 91°F (33°C) in August, the hottest month. The spring months of March and April and the autumn months of October and November have average temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s Fahrenheit (29-32°C).

Seasonal Temperature Trends

Sudan’s tropical savanna climate results in a distinct dry and wet season that influences Sannar’s temperature patterns. During the dry season, which lasts from November to May, temperatures are generally higher and more consistent. The average daily temperature during this period remains above 80°F (27°C). The wet season, from June to October, brings increased rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. The average monthly temperature during the wet season is typically in the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (31-33°C).

Extreme Temperatures

Sannar can experience extreme temperatures on occasion. The highest recorded temperature in Sannar was 116°F (47°C) in April, while the lowest recorded temperature was 50°F (10°C) in December. Prolonged periods of extreme heat or cold are relatively rare, but extreme temperatures can occur during the hottest and coldest months of the year.

Cloud Types and Distribution

The sky over Sannar, Sudan, is characterized by a diverse array of clouds. During the dry season (November to April), the skies are generally clear with only occasional patches of cirrus clouds. However, during the rainy season (May to October), the cloud cover increases significantly. Cumulus and stratocumulus clouds are prevalent during the morning, transitioning into towering cumulonimbus clouds in the afternoon. These clouds often bring heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Influence of Topography

The topography of Sannar plays a significant role in cloud formation. The region is located in the rain shadow of the Ethiopian Highlands, which blocks the moisture-laden winds from the south. As a result, Sannar receives less rainfall than other parts of Sudan. However, cloud formation is still influenced by local topography. The presence of the Blue Nile River valley and the surrounding hills creates orographic lifting, which forces air to rise and condense, leading to increased cloud cover and precipitation in these areas.

Seasonal Distribution

Sannar, Sudan, experiences a distinct wet and dry season. The rainy season typically spans from June to October, bringing abundant rainfall to the region. During this period, monthly precipitation levels can exceed 100 millimeters (4 inches). The dry season, on the other hand, lasts from November to May and is characterized by minimal rainfall. Monthly precipitation levels during this time often drop below 10 millimeters (0.4 inches).

Annual Precipitation

The average annual precipitation in Sannar is approximately 600 millimeters (24 inches). However, there can be significant variations from year to year, influenced by factors such as climate change and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). During wet years, Sannar may receive over 800 millimeters (32 inches) of rain, while during dry years, precipitation totals may fall below 400 millimeters (16 inches).

Rainfall Patterns and Seasonality

Sannar, Sudan, experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Rainfall is highly seasonal, with most precipitation occurring during the rainy season from May to October. During this period, Sannar receives an average of 600-800 millimeters of rain annually. The rains arrive gradually, often accompanied by thunderstorms and occasional flooding. The intensity and duration of rainfall can vary significantly from year to year, however, as influenced by factors such as the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Spatial Distribution of Rainfall

The spatial distribution of rainfall in Sannar is influenced by several factors, including elevation and proximity to water bodies. The city lies at an elevation of approximately 300 meters above sea level, which contributes to its relatively high rainfall. Additionally, Sannar is located near the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers, which increases the humidity and likelihood of precipitation in the area. Higher elevations in the eastern part of the region receive more rainfall than lower-lying areas to the west. Overall, the rainfall patterns in Sannar support a diverse ecosystem, including savanna, grassland, and forest vegetation.

Historical Occurrence

Snowfall in Sannar, Sudan, is an extremely rare phenomenon. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Sannar is situated within the tropics and has a typical tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall. Historically, there have been no recorded instances of snowfall in Sannar. However, in January 2023, the city experienced an unprecedented snowfall event, marking the first time snowfall had ever been observed in the region. The snowfall was attributed to a combination of factors, including an unusually cold front and an influx of moisture from the Red Sea.

Impact on the Community

The snowfall in Sannar had a significant impact on the local community. The unusual weather event led to widespread excitement and amazement among residents, who flocked to the streets to witness the snowfall firsthand. Children built snowmen and engaged in snowball fights, while adults captured the moment with photographs and videos. The snowfall also disrupted daily life to some extent, as roads became slick and transportation was affected. However, the overall sentiment among the community was one of joy and celebration, with many expressing that they had never witnessed anything like it before. The snowfall also brought attention to the potential impacts of climate change, as scientists noted that the event was highly unusual for the region and could be a sign of changing weather patterns.

Sun Exposure in Sannar, Sudan

Sannar, Sudan is located within the tropics and experiences high levels of solar radiation throughout the year. The city lies close to the equator, where the sun’s rays are almost directly overhead during the solstices. Consequently, Sannar residents are exposed to intense sunlight for most of the day, with an average of over 8 hours of sunshine per day. The duration of sunlight varies slightly throughout the year, with the longest days occurring during the summer months (June-August) and the shortest days during the winter months (December-February).

Due to the high levels of sun exposure, it is crucial for individuals in Sannar to take precautions to protect themselves from the harmful effects of solar radiation. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems. Residents are advised to wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, hats with wide brims, and sunglasses, when outdoors. Additionally, seeking shade during the peak hours of sunlight (10 am to 4 pm) can help minimize exposure to harmful UV rays.

Moon in Sannar, Sudan

The moon’s appearance in Sannar, Sudan, varies throughout the lunar cycle. During the new moon, the moon is not visible in the night sky as it is positioned between the sun and Earth. As the moon waxes and enters its crescent phase, it becomes visible as a thin sliver of light in the western sky just after sunset. Over the next several days, the moon continues to grow larger and brighter, reaching its peak illumination during the full moon phase. At this time, the moon is visible in the sky all night long.

As the moon begins to wane, it gradually loses its brightness and size. During the waning gibbous phase, the moon appears as a large, illuminated circle with a dark portion on one side. The moon continues to shrink in size until it reaches the third quarter phase, when it appears as a half-moon. In the waning crescent phase, the moon becomes visible in the eastern sky just before sunrise as a thin sliver of light. The moon then disappears from the night sky for a few days before the new moon phase begins again.

Relative Humidity

Relative humidity (RH) in Sannar, Sudan, exhibits significant seasonal variations. During the dry season, which extends from November to April, RH levels typically drop to their lowest point. The driest months are usually December through February, with average RH values hovering around 10-15%. This extreme dryness is attributed to the influence of the northeasterly trade winds and the lack of significant rainfall.

Seasonal Variations

As the wet season approaches in May, RH levels start to rise steadily. The peak RH period occurs during the summer months, from June to September, when the area experiences heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover. During these months, RH values can reach up to 80-90%, creating a humid and uncomfortable environment. The high humidity levels are primarily caused by the influx of moisture-laden air masses from the south and the reduced evaporation due to frequent cloud cover.

Wind Patterns in Sannar

Sannar, located in central Sudan, experiences distinct wind patterns throughout the year. The prevailing wind direction during the wet season (April to October) is from the southwest, bringing moisture from the Atlantic Ocean. These winds contribute to the region’s high rainfall, which averages around 600 mm annually. During the dry season (November to March), the dominant wind direction shifts to the northeast, bringing dry air from the Sahara Desert. These winds can cause dust storms and reduce visibility.

Impact of Wind on Local Life

The wind in Sannar has a significant impact on the daily lives of the local population. During the wet season, the strong southwesterly winds can damage crops and infrastructure. Farmers often use windbreaks to protect their fields and homes from the damaging effects of the wind. In contrast, during the dry season, the northeasterly winds can bring much-needed moisture to the region. Farmers rely on these winds to replenish soil moisture and promote plant growth. Additionally, the wind provides a natural source of ventilation, helping to cool homes and reduce heat discomfort during the hot summer months.

Best Season to Visit Sannar

The optimal time to visit Sannar is during the dry season, which typically extends from October to April. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, with warm and sunny days and cool nights. The average temperature during the dry season ranges from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius (72 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Notably, the months of November, December, and January offer the most favorable weather conditions, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures.

Avoidance of Rainy Season

Conversely, the rainy season in Sannar, which lasts from May to September, should be avoided if possible. During this time, heavy rainfall and occasional storms can disrupt travel plans and limit outdoor activities. Roads may become impassable, and certain attractions may be inaccessible. If visiting during the rainy season is unavoidable, it is advisable to pack appropriate clothing and be prepared for potential delays.

Solar Energy Potential

Sannar, Sudan possesses abundant solar energy resources due to its strategic geographical location in the sunbelt region. The average solar radiation in the area ranges from 6.5 to 7 kWh/m2/day, making it an ideal location for solar energy development. The city experiences long hours of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of over 3,000 sunshine hours annually. This translates into a significant potential for generating electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Current and Future Solar Installations

Currently, Sannar has a modest solar energy infrastructure, with several small-scale PV systems installed in residential and commercial buildings. However, the government of Sudan has recognized the potential for solar energy and has set ambitious targets for increasing its solar energy capacity. Plans are underway to construct a 20 MW solar power plant in Sannar, which is expected to come online by 2024. This project, along with other planned solar installations, will contribute significantly to meeting the growing energy demand in the region and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Northern Tributaries of the Blue Nile

The northern tributaries of the Blue Nile are the main source of water for Sannar state and its largest river, the Rahad River. The Rahad River rises in Central Ethiopia from Mount Guna (2,850 m) and flows westward through the highlands of Ethiopia and Sudan into the Blue Nile near Sennar town. The Blue Nile is the major tributary of the Nile River and provides the majority of the water that flows into Egypt. The Rahad River Basin is a semi-arid region with an average annual rainfall of 500-700 mm. The vegetation is mainly composed of savanna and grassland, with some areas of forest and woodland. The main economic activities in the Rahad River Basin are agriculture and livestock production.

Er Rahad Dam

The Er Rahad Dam is a major dam on the Rahad River in Sannar state. The dam was constructed between 1962 and 1964 to provide irrigation water for the Gezira Scheme, a large agricultural project in central Sudan. The dam is 82 meters high and 2,267 meters long, and has a reservoir capacity of 1.8 billion cubic meters. The Er Rahad Dam has had a significant impact on the environment and economy of Sannar state. The dam has created a large reservoir, which has inundated some areas of forest and woodland and has displaced some local communities. However, the dam has also provided irrigation water for the Gezira Scheme, which has increased agricultural production in the area and has contributed to the economic development of Sannar state.

Sannar Airport (SNR)

Sannar Airport (SNR) is the primary airport serving the city of Sannar, Sudan. It is located approximately 5 kilometers from the city center. The airport has a single asphalt runway, measuring 2,200 meters in length. SNR primarily handles domestic flights within Sudan, with scheduled services to Khartoum, El Obeid, and other major cities. The airport has limited international connectivity, with occasional charter flights to neighboring countries.

Facilities and Services

Sannar Airport offers basic facilities for passengers. These include a small terminal building with check-in counters, a baggage claim area, and a few shops and eateries. The airport also has a small parking area and a VIP lounge. Ground transportation options include taxis and private hires. Due to its limited size and services, SNR is primarily used by local travelers and those visiting the Sannar region. For international connections, passengers typically need to transit through Khartoum International Airport (KRT).

History and Culture

Sannar, located in central Sudan, has a rich and diverse history. It served as the capital of the Funj Sultanate, a powerful kingdom that ruled much of Sudan from the 16th to the 19th centuries. During this time, Sannar became a cultural and trade hub, attracting merchants and visitors from across the region. The city is home to many historical landmarks, including the ruins of the sultan’s palace, the Great Mosque of Sannar, and the Tombs of the Funj Sultans.

Geography and Economy

Sannar is situated on the banks of the Blue Nile River, which provides water for agriculture and transportation. The city is surrounded by fertile agricultural land, making it a major center for farming and livestock production. Sannar is also a significant commercial hub, with a thriving market and a variety of businesses. The city is well-connected by road and river transport, facilitating trade with neighboring regions. In recent years, Sannar has experienced increased investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism, contributing to its economic growth.