February weather forecast
Mapaki, Sierra Leone

In the tail end of Mapaki's dry season, February continues the trend set forth by January with a remarkable increase in temperature. The tropical heat soars high, effortlessly meeting an average high of 37.8°C (100°F). March offers somewhat respite as the mercury begins to dip, signaling the start of the overdue rainy season. Interestingly, despite the scorching heat, February too sees a relatively low rainfall, averaging just about 4mm (0.16"). A steadfast friend to the blazing sunshine endlessly pouring over Mapaki’s landscapes, February holds its ground as the dry season’s ambassador.

Temperature

January's transformation into February witnesses an average high-temperature of a still very hot 37.8°C (100°F), noting a minor change from the preceding month. Mapaki, in February, experiences a marked contrast from daytime zeniths to a steady average low-temperature of 21°C (69.8°F).

Heat index

Throughout February, the heat index is estimated at a blazing hot 53°C (127.4°F). Stay mindful: Heat exhaustion and heat cramps are likely. Heatstroke could follow extended physical effort.
Heat index readings emphasize conditions of light breezes and shaded spots. Heat index values can rise by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees when in direct sunlight.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'apparent temperature' or 'felt air temperature', binds temperature metrics with humidity values to give a sense of the actual warmth. One's weather perception can be influenced by a range of factors including metabolic differences, being pregnant, and their level of physical activity. One's exposure to direct sunlight has the potential to intensify the heat sensation, increasing the heat index by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are of high significance for children. Young individuals are typically more threatened than adults due to their reduced perspiration. Also, the larger skin surface proportionate to their small bodies and the increased heat from their activities magnify their risk.
The human body normally cools itself by perspiration. Excessive warmth is eliminated from the body by evaporation of sweat. A surge in relative humidity can disrupt the body's normal cooling function by slowing evaporation, hence reducing the rate at which the body cools and intensifying the perception of heat. With body temperatures on the rise, inefficient heat shedding can lead to dehydration and its associated complications.

Humidity

January and February, with an average relative humidity of 58%, are the least humid months.

Rainfall

In February, the rain falls for 3 days. Throughout February, 4mm (0.16") of precipitation is accumulated. In Mapaki, during the entire year, the rain falls for 225.8 days and collects up to 1471mm (57.91") of precipitation.

Daylight

The average length of the day in February is 11h and 51min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 07:08 and sunset at 18:53. On the last day of February, sunrise is at 07:01 and sunset at 18:58 GMT.

Sunshine

In February, the average sunshine is 9.7h.

UV index

January through April, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: In February, the maximum UV index of 7 transforms into these recommendations:
Adhere to precautions and respect sun safety doctrines. Avoiding sunburn is vital. Seek shade and limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak period for UV radiation. Keep in mind that shade structures like parasols or canopies do not offer complete sun protection. Sun-related eye harm can be minimized with proper sunglasses offering UVA and UVB coverage.