May weather forecast
Mapaki, Sierra Leone

Stepping firmly into Mapaki's rainy season, May offers a refreshing reprieve from the preceding sun-drenched months. These seemingly perennial spells of rain refurbish Mapaki's natural beauty, showering life into every nook and cranny. May’s immediate successor, June, follows in the same wet footsteps, bringing more of the rejuvenating rainfall. Distinction of May is the significant jump in average rainfall to 105mm (4.13"), encapsulating the true essence of the monsoon. While the inclement weather may pose challenges, those who relish tropical rainstorms have a field day.

Temperature

With the commencement of May, Mapaki records a moderate temperature decline, with the average high easing from April's very hot 37.7°C (99.9°F) to a hot 34.3°C (93.7°F). Mapaki throughout May, experiences an average nighttime temperature of 23.8°C (74.8°F).

Heat index

The heat index in May is estimated at a blazing hot 52°C (125.6°F). Keep alert: Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are probable. Heatstroke is a potential danger with continued physical activity.
Know that the heat index computations account for shaded terrains and slight winds. Direct sunlight might lead to a heat index increase by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'real feel' or 'apparent temperature', offers an insight into how hot it feels when we factor in moisture content. A person's impression of weather can be shaped by many aspects, among them metabolic variations, pregnancy, and levels of physical activity. Be mindful that being in direct sunlight might mean feeling hotter, with the heat index rising by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values remain especially vital for babies and toddlers. Kids are usually more vulnerable than adults, given their lesser sweating ability. Along with their larger skin surface relative to their small stature and the excess heat due to their activity, their risk is amplified.
Perspiring is how the human body naturally cools down, as sweat's evaporation takes away excess heat. When there is an excess of moisture in the atmosphere, the efficiency of the evaporation process is lessened, leading to less efficient body cooling and a sensation of overheating. With body temperatures on the rise, inefficient heat shedding can lead to dehydration and its associated complications.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May is 78%.

Rainfall

In May, the rain falls for 24.2 days. Throughout May, 105mm (4.13") 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

In May, the average length of the day is 12h and 32min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 06:31 and sunset at 18:57. On the last day of May, sunrise is at 06:27 and sunset at 19:03 GMT.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in May is 7.7h.

UV index

In Mapaki, the average daily maximum UV index in May is 6. A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 represents a high health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: A daily maximum UV index of 6 in May translates into the following instructions:
Undertake protective measures and comply with sun safety rules. Shielding against skin and eye damage is essential. The Sun's UV radiation is most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Try to avoid direct sun exposure during these hours. Boost your sun resistance with garments that are densely woven yet spacious.