August weather forecast
Barra, The Gambia

As August takes its place in Barra, there is a noticeable reduction in rainfall from 177mm (6.97") in July to 121mm (4.76"). The drop slightly eases off the peak monsoon conditions experienced in the previous month. Cloud coverage also reaches a maximum with 50% cloudiness for the year, hindering the amount of sunshine received. The wind speed drops to 15.3km/h (9.5mph) this month, the lowest so far. August's weather pattern heralds the receding monsoons and a slow return to clearer skies.

Temperature

The commencement of August introduces an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 29.1°C (84.4°F), closely mirroring the preceding month. In August, Barra experiences a marginal drop in temperature, with averages of 26.1°C (79°F) at night.

Heat index

In August, the heat index is appraised at a very hot 35°C (95°F). Undertake enhanced precautions, heat exhaustion and heat cramps are possible risks. Continuous activity could trigger heatstroke.
Metrics for the heat index primarily focus on shaded spots and light 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 'felt air temperature' or 'apparent temperature', binds temperature metrics with humidity values to give a sense of the actual warmth. This effect is personal, influenced by the individual's physical activity and heat sensitivity, shaped by factors including wind, attire, and metabolic variations. Sunshine, when direct, has the potential to intensify weather effects, leading to an increase in the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are highly critical for babies and toddlers. Young ones regularly neglect the requirement for rest and fluid replenishment. Thirst is a late stage of dehydration - so, it is necessary to keep hydrated, particularly during extended periods of physical exertion.
Perspiration is the body's default response to elevated temperatures, as it promotes the evaporation of sweat to achieve cooling. Increased relative humidity slows down evaporation, thereby decreasing the rate of heat removal from the body, culminating in a sensation of overheating. Inadequate heat shedding in the face of rising body temperatures hints at potential dehydration risks.

Humidity

The months with the highest humidity are August and September, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

Rainfall

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 21.6 days and typically aggregates up to 177mm (6.97") of precipitation.

Daylight

In August, the average length of the day is 12h and 34min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 06:51 and sunset at 19:33. On the last day of August, sunrise is at 06:54 and sunset at 19:17 GMT.

Sunshine

August has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 7.3h of sunshine.

UV index

January, April through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index. A UV Index estimate of 6 to 7 represents a high health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: In August, a regular UV index of 7 translates into these guidelines:
Beware of overexposure. Fair-skinned individuals risk burning in less than 20 minutes. Attempt to stay under shade and limit exposure to the Sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak. Remember, devices such as parasols or canopies might not provide complete sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat is a shield, deflecting up to 50% of harmful UV radiation from eyes.