December weather forecast
Futa, Sierra Leone

The first month of the winter, December, is also a hot month in Futa, Sierra Leone, with an average temperature fluctuating between 20.1°C (68.2°F) and 32.6°C (90.7°F).

Temperature

Futa records a slight change with December's average high-temperatures adjusting to a still tropical 32.6°C (90.7°F) from November's 31.3°C (88.3°F). Futa, in the heat of December, registers a significant plunge to a mean of 20.1°C (68.2°F) during the nights.

Heat index

December's average heat index is appraised at a blisteringly hot 42°C (107.6°F). Take more safety measures, heat exhaustion and heat cramps are potential outcomes. Persistent activity might lead to heatstroke.
The metrics for the heat index are tailored for both shady environments and light winds. A rise of up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees in the heat index could result from direct sunlight.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'apparent temperature', is a metric representing the sensation of warmth when air temperature and moisture come together. One's weather perception can be influenced by a range of factors including metabolic differences, being pregnant, and their level of physical activity. It is noteworthy to mention that direct sunlight exposure can augment the felt temperature, leading to an increase in the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are quite important for babies and toddlers. Youngsters generally face more threats than adults given their lesser ability to sweat. Coupled with their larger skin surface relative to their small bodies and higher heat production due to their activities, they are more endangered.
Perspiration, followed by sweat evaporation, is the human body's chief method to maintain a balanced temperature. With higher relative humidity, the rate of evaporation is reduced, resulting in increased heat retention in the body compared to drier air. When the body is unable to balance heat gain, its temperature elevates, which may induce thermal illnesses.

Humidity

In December, the average relative humidity is 70%.

Rainfall

In December, the rain falls for 8.7 days. Throughout December, 10mm (0.39") of precipitation is accumulated. In Futa, during the entire year, the rain falls for 270.4 days and collects up to 1590mm (62.6") of precipitation.

Daylight

With an average of 11h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 06:44 and sunset at 18:26. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 06:58 and sunset at 18:40 GMT.

Sunshine

In Futa, the average sunshine in December is 9.1h.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index are January through April and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health risk from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: The daily high UV index of 7 in December translates into this advice:
Guard against overexposure. Protection from sun-induced harm is essential. To the best of your ability, limit your exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak. A wide-brimmed hat is a staple for defending the face, eyes, ears, and neck from the Sun.