Mega-storms the size of England on the rise in North Africa

Mega-storms the size of England are increasingly savaging countries across the Sahel, a five-year project backed by the UK government has found. 

Already a troubled region, the Sahel – which hugs the Saharan desert from Senegal to Eritrea – has seen a threefold increase in mega-storms over the last 35 years. 

The ferocious storms – which produce roughly the same amount of energy in 12 hours that the entire UK consumes in a year – can devastate everything in their path with powerful winds and torrential rain. They can grow as high as 16km, satellite images show. 

In an attempt to mitigate the impact of the storms researchers, funded by the Department for International Development (Dfid), are working with city planners and officials to identify the areas most at risk. 

“Unpredictable and devastating weather threatens the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people,” said Penny Mordaunt, International Development Secretary. “UK aid is working with British scientists so that we can prevent and react to natural disasters with an agility that saves lives and livelihoods.”

“For every £1 UK aid invests in preventing natural disasters, we can save more than £3 by avoiding the impacts of these extreme weather events,” she added. 

A vast mega-storm travels across the Sahel
A vast mega-storm travels across the Sahel Credit: Creative Commons/Dfid

The mega-storms, called mesoscale convective systems, are increasing in number due to climate change

As the Sahara warms more quickly than neighbouring areas, the temperature difference between the desert to the north of the Sahel and the tropical forests to the south widens. This contrast creates the ideal conditions for mega-storms to form – and with temperatures set to further rise, they will become more frequent, say experts.

“These vigorous storms have always happened, but they’re becoming more common and are getting stronger,” said Dr Chris Taylor, meteorologist at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. “During the wet season, there are storms every day across the region."

The extreme climate could further undermine stability in the Sahel, which is already plagued by poverty, irregular migration, smuggling and terrorist groups.

The region is an increasing priority for the UK government which, like other western powers, has deployed troops there, and recently announced the opening of new embassies in Chad and Niger

Last year, a Dfid policy document said that it was “increasing its engagement in the Sahel as part of increased UK government support to the region.” This includes helping to “prepare for, respond to, and mitigate humanitarian and climate shocks,” the document said. 

The five-year project, backed by £4 million of funding from Dfid and the National Environment Research Council, is part of the UK's multi-million pound 'Future Climate for Africa' programme. 

The mega-storms project is focused in Burkina Faso and Senegal, and has influenced where hospitals and schools have been built and highlighted vital infrastructure – including sanitation systems and bridges – which need added protection. 

“People in these regions have no choice but to adapt,” said Tanya Warnaars, the knowledge exchange specialist on the project. “They are on the frontline of climate change, but there is currently a big gap in understanding [about] which are the most vulnerable areas. 

“Our research is helping to make those decisions the smart way.” 

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 

License this content