October signals the return of dry conditions in
Ouagadougou, with rainfall plummeting dramatically to 33mm (1.3"). Despite the lowering rainfall, temperatures and humidity remain relatively high. Simultaneously, the UV index stagiars to a slightly lower 11. The amount of daylight begins to fall, mirroring the reducing solar intensity. October's weather paves the way for the approaching dry season.
Temperature
The shift into October brings a slight increase in the average high-temperature, moving from a hot 32°C (89.6°F) in
September to a fiery hot 35.4°C (95.7°F). Ouagadougou, amid October nights, sees a noteworthy disparity from daily highs with an average temperature of 22.5°C (72.5°F).
Heat index
October's mean heat index is computed to be a blazing hot 45°C (113°F).
Vigilance: Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely. The likelihood of heatstroke increases with continued activity.
It is crucial to understand that heat index figures are for shade and gentle wind conditions. If directly exposed to the sun, the heat index could rise by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'real feel' or 'feels like', is a metric representing the sensation of warmth when air temperature and moisture come together. Additional factors encompassing metabolic differences, the level of physical activity, and clothing can impact the individual's perception of temperature. One must note that being under the direct sun can escalate the heat's effects, with the heat index possibly rising by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are largely significant for babies and toddlers. Youths are typically more endangered than adults since they usually sweat less. Their larger skin surface concerning their smaller bodies and higher heat production due to activity further adds to their vulnerability.
Perspiring is a crucial mechanism for the human body, allowing it to release excessive warmth through evaporating sweat. In the presence of abundant moisture in the atmosphere, the cooling process through evaporation is hindered, causing the body to feel excessively warm. Heat disorders may be on the horizon when body temperatures rise from inadequate heat management.
Humidity
The average relative humidity in October is 58%.
Rainfall
In Ouagadougou, during October, the rain falls for 1.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 33mm (1.3") of precipitation. In Ouagadougou,
Burkina Faso, during the entire year, the rain falls for 35.2 days and collects up to 788mm (31.02") of precipitation.
Daylight
The average length of the day in October is 11h and 51min.
On the first day of October, sunrise is at 05:55 and sunset at 17:55. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 05:58 and sunset at 17:40 GMT.
Sunshine
The months with the most sunshine in Ouagadougou are
January through
March,
May, October and
November, with an average of 9h of sunshine.
UV index
The average daily maximum UV index in October in Ouagadougou is 11. A UV Index estimate of 11, and higher, represents an extreme health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: The daily high UV index of 11 during October translates into the following recommendations:
Enforce all necessary safety measures, unprotected skin may suffer burns swiftly. Stay in the shade and limit direct Sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a time when UV radiation is particularly strong. Remember, however, that shade structures may not provide complete protection. Sunglasses that ward off UVA and UVB rays play a pivotal role in reducing solar eye damage. Despite the cloud cover, sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be generously applied and reapplied, particularly after a swim or an outdoor workout.