Anomalous 2012 Summer Season conditions measured over Dakar Senegal

Coastal zone of Senegal including the city of Dakar experienced anomalous weather conditions during the summer of 2012. In particular, extremely dry air was located 200-400 meters above the surface while ceilometer and lidar measurements show aerosols located from the surface to approximately 500 m. This persistent pattern continued in Dakar through the end of August. Back trajectories from Dakar showing that air reaching Dakar originates from Western Sahara coastal. In addition to dusty conditions, flooding associated with mesoscale convective systems occurred leading to fatalities and damage in and around the city of Dakar. We present some of the preliminary data from research and operational measurements in and around the city of Dakar, along with identified anomalous patterns associated with the large-scale flow.