The Rains Hath Come!

When it rains, it pours...
Originally uploaded by mralles

August marks the beginning of the rainy season in Cape Verde. Our friend Kelly, who is from the notoriously rainy Seattle/Tacoma area questions the phrase “rainy season” in so far as in two weeks, this has including one day of downpours and one cloudy day of showers. To put this in perspective, let's look at some statistics:

• Cape Verde receives 261 mm (10.3 inches) of annual rainfall classifying the country as a “semi-desert."
• A desert is defined by receiving less than 250 mm (9.8 inches) of rain annually, SO CLOSE!
• Seattle receives 940 mm (37.1 inches) of rain each year
• This surprisingly pales in comparison to NYC receiving 1,140 mm (45 inches- 28 of which is due to snow) and Miami at 1,420 mm (55.9 inches)

What we would refer to in America as a few rain days, constitutes a rainy season in Cape Verde, as between August and October there is a possibility of rain, which ceases to exist any other time of year.

The whole concept of rain in Cape Verde (or lack there of) is met with a great deal of emotion. Water, a most important natural resource, is so sorely lacking that rain is met with celebration not only in the streets but particularly on the farms. This time of year produce is getting scarcer and more expensive at the markets. The less rain that comes only heightens the community's anxiety for another year without crops. Cape Verde is always worried about the onset of drought that historically can last up to 5 years. In the 20th century alone some 200,000 islanders perished amid drought, causing a diaspora of nearly 500,000 (same as the nation's current population) to flee to Europe and North America.

On the flip side, rain brings with it mosquitoes and disease. Last year there was a Dengue Fever outbreak for the first time in many years (note: South Florida is tracking cases of Dengue as well. So Moms, don't worry too much!). The Cape Verdean government and medical resources met this challenge with great success according to international disease control experts. After last year's experience, the country is trying to be even more proactive in disease prevention and mosquito control. For example, in June there was a day off of work for “Dengue Clean-Up” to ensure areas around the house prevent standing water from accumulating for mosquito breeding. Never mind that this day was also the day that Portugal played Brazil in the World Cup. Coincidence? I don't think so.

No matter what season, the weather in Cape Verde can not be beat. Mild humidity makes the strong sun much more tolerable than summer in Washington, DC. Though Mike is constantly sweating, when is he not, it is really easy to be happy when you wake everyday to a blue and an ocean view to match!