Several drought hotspots have persisted across Eastern Africa, including eastern Kenya, large parts of Somalia, central Uganda, southern Ethiopia and some areas in central and northern parts of Tanzania. Analysis of November to January rainfall using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) reveals that significant rainfall deficits across most of these areas have persisted in the last 3 months.

Corresponding crop and pasture warning levels indicate that these deficits have resulted into soil moisture shortages, vegetation stress, or a combination of both. Collectively, these conditions have elevated alert levels in the affected areas, signaling heightened vulnerability to agricultural and pastoral impacts.