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South Sudanese living in drought-prone and flood-risk areas have been urged to prepare for possible extreme weather conditions, as authorities warn that below-normal rainfall and rising temperatures could affect food production, livestock and public health in the coming months, according to South Sudan Meteorological Services and the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC)

The climatic  institutions forecast below-average rainfall across much of the country between June and September. The conditions could increase the risk of drought, water shortages and crop failure in several states.

Areas expected to receive below-normal rainfall include parts of Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Lakes, Jonglei, Warrap, Upper Nile and Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

Meanwhile, some areas including Renk, Ruweng and Tonj North may experience above-normal rainfall, with possible localized flooding.

Officials warn that prolonged dry conditions could reduce crop yields, worsen food insecurity, trigger livestock migration and increase the risk of disease outbreaks linked to water shortages and high temperatures.

Communities have been advised to conserve water, plant drought-tolerant crops, vaccinate livestock, harvest rainwater where possible, and move to higher ground in flood-prone areas.

The advisory comes as South Sudan continues to face recurring climate shocks, with droughts and seasonal floods affecting millions of people, disrupting livelihoods and increasing humanitarian needs across the country.