March weather forecast
Mapaki, Sierra Leone

March rolls in with a whiff of change in Mapaki. The dust-laden dry breeze morphs into moist zephyrs, paving the way for the rainy season to unleash its spectacle. Stepping up from the preceding months, rainfall levels leap to an average of 21mm (0.83"), turning the heated ambiance into a refreshing retreat. As the pendulum swings towards April, the slight dip in sunshine hours is substituted by a surge in humidity and continued rainfall. A paradise for the ones seeking an escape into the mild tropical rainshowers, March is a haven of naturally air-conditioned delight.

Temperature

March, with average temperatures reaching a high of 38.4°C (101.1°F) and a low of 22.9°C (73.2°F), is the warmest month.

Heat index

The heat index for March is estimated at a blazing hot 56°C (132.8°F). Warning: These weather conditions are accepted as gravely perilous, heatstroke is on the horizon.
In the scope of the heat index, its values resonate with shade and light wind conditions. A rise in the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees may result from direct sunlight exposure.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'feels like', is a calculation that merges air temperature and relative humidity to depict the sensation of warmth. The perception of temperature can be subjective, varying based on activity and individual heat sensitivity, influenced by factors like wind, attire, and metabolic variations. The sun, when shining directly, can have a significant impact on the perceived temperature, increasing the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values hold great significance to children. Young individuals usually face greater risks than adults as their sweat production is less. Also, their larger skin surface relative to their small bodies and the high heat generation due to their activity contributes to their vulnerability.
Through perspiration, the body has a natural mechanism to eliminate excessive heat via sweat evaporation. Under high air temperature and humidity (high heat index) conditions, perspiration is limited, and the perception of heat is increased. Overheating dangers loom when the body's heat release mechanisms are overshadowed by excessive gain.

Humidity

In March, the average relative humidity is 60%.

Rainfall

In Mapaki, during March, the rain falls for 11.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 21mm (0.83") of precipitation. In Mapaki, during the entire year, the rain falls for 225.8 days and collects up to 1471mm (57.91") of precipitation.

Daylight

In March, the average length of the day is 12h and 5min.
On the first day of March, sunrise is at 07:00 and sunset at 18:58. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:45 and sunset at 18:57 GMT.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in March is 9.5h.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index are January through April, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Note: A maximum UV index of 7 in March translates into the following recommendations:
Use protective steps and abide by sun safety guidelines. Safeguarding against skin and eye harm is necessary. Be aware that the sun's UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and try to reduce direct sun exposure during this period as much as possible. To cut down UV radiation exposure by about half, sport a wide-brim hat.