Harmattan conditions across Ghana remain weak and milder than usual in early January 2026, particularly in southern areas including Accra, with only intermittent dust haze reported in parts of the north.
Unlike a typical Harmattan season marked by intense dryness, heavy dust and sharp temperature drops, the current weather pattern is characterised by persistent moisture, occasional localized rainfall and reduced atmospheric dryness.
Weather observations indicate that northern Ghana continues to experience relatively drier and dustier air, with periods of haze capable of reducing visibility. However, the intensity has remained moderate, and no widespread visibility disruptions have been recorded in recent weeks.
In the southern and coastal regions, including the Greater Accra area, humidity levels remain higher than normal, limiting the usual cold, dry effects associated with the season. Morning temperatures have shown only mild drops, while common Harmattan-related discomforts such as dry skin, cracked lips and respiratory irritation have been less pronounced.
No major intensification alerts have been issued since late December 2025, suggesting that the dry season has not fully established its typical strength.
Meteorological experts attribute the delayed and weak Harmattan to an unusually northern position of the Inter-Tropical Boundary (ITB). This has allowed moist air from the Gulf of Guinea to continue flowing inland, preventing the dry Saharan winds from dominating the atmosphere over Ghana.
The situation has been further reinforced by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Guinea, which sustain moisture levels and weaken the penetration of dry continental air masses. As a result, some parts of the country, including northern areas, recorded rare late-December rainfall, a statistically unusual occurrence for the peak of the dry season.
The atypical start to the 2025/2026 Harmattan season has implications for agriculture, health and transportation. Reduced dust levels improve air quality and visibility for road and air travel, while higher moisture supports vegetation and limits bushfire risks. However, the lingering humidity may also affect post-harvest drying and storage activities in some farming communities.
Forecasters expect conditions to remain variable in the coming weeks, with pockets of dust haze possible in the north and generally milder Harmattan effects in the south unless there is a shift in regional wind patterns.
Residents are advised to stay informed through regular weather updates while maintaining basic precautions during hazy periods, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson