Climate of Ethiopia and the Horn

The state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, including temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.

The long-term average weather conditions of a region, encompassing decades or more.

The horizontal movement of air, caused by differences in atmospheric pressure.

The movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) across the equator from south to north and back, driven by seasonal differences in solar radiation.

The variation in Earth's surface height, including mountains, valleys, and plateaus, that influences wind patterns, precipitation, and temperature.

The primary driver of weather and climate on Earth, providing energy for atmospheric circulation and precipitation.

The layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface, where most weather events occur.

The rate at which rising or sinking saturated air changes its temperature.

The rate at which dry air changes temperature with altitude.

The actual change of temperature with altitude in the atmosphere.

A condition where temperature increases with altitude, which is the opposite of the normal lapse rate.

The change of temperature with altitude in the atmosphere.

The amount of heat required to change the state of a substance, such as from liquid to gas.

Ethiopia's location near the equator, resulting in overhead sun twice a year.

Ethiopia's high elevation leading to varied temperatures across the country.

Ethiopia's proximity to the equator, leading to generally warm temperatures.

The height of a location above sea level.

The rate at which temperature decreases with increasing altitude in the troposphere, the lowest layer of the atmosphere.

The typical temperature decrease per kilometer of altitude increase is 6.5°C.

Temperature changes occurring in a rising or sinking air mass solely due to its expansion or compression, without external heat exchange.

The rate at which the temperature of an unsaturated air parcel changes as it rises or falls due to expansion or compression.

About 10°C cooling per 1000 meters of altitude increase in unsaturated air.

The rate at which the temperature of a saturated air parcel changes as it rises or falls, considering the latent heat released during condensation.

It occurs because the latent heat from condensing water vapor slows down the cooling process.

Because of the additional heat released during the process of condensation.

Temperature decreases as altitude increases, with the lowest average temperatures found in the Bale Mountains.

The Afar Depression experiences the highest average maximum temperatures in Ethiopia, while the north-western, western and south-eastern lowlands also have above-average temperatures.

Ethiopian temperatures vary significantly daily, with the lowlands experiencing extreme daytime heat and the highlands experiencing cooler nights.

Despite significant daily temperature variation, Ethiopia's monthly average temperatures show minimal change throughout the year.

A local term for a cool temperature zone in Ethiopia, found at altitudes above 3,300 meters.

A local term for a cool, temperate zone in Ethiopia, found between 2,300 and 3,300 meters.

A local term for a temperate zone in Ethiopia, found between 1,500 and 2,300 meters.

A local term for a warm, temperate zone in Ethiopia, found between 500 and 1,500 meters.

A local term for a hot zone in Ethiopia, found below 500 meters.

Ethiopia's temperature is influenced by latitude and cloud cover, causing significant daily and regional variation.

A hot, arid climate zone found in low-lying areas with less than 200 mm of rainfall annually and average temperatures exceeding 27.5 degrees Celsius. It is characterized by strong winds, high temperatures, low humidity, and minimal cloud cover.

The change in Earth's climate over a long period, typically decades or longer, resulting from natural variations or human activities.

The state of the climate experiencing extremes such as drought and flooding, as observed in Ethiopia, which ranks among the most drought-prone countries.

A significant rise in average temperature, particularly in drier areas of northeast and southeast Ethiopia, with the most notable changes occurring during July-September.

A strong El Niño event causing consecutive crop failures and widespread livestock deaths, highlighting the impact of climate change on livelihoods.