May weather forecast
Bwiam, The Gambia

May experiences a paradigm shift in Bwiam, The Gambia's weather, as the dry months give way to a more tropical climate. This transition sees a surge in rain, with the city facing rainfall levels of 3mm (0.12"), a noticeable rise from no rainfall in April. Concurrently, temperatures plateau, lying on the higher end of the thermometer at 37.4°C (99.3°F). The more hours of daylight, combined with increased humidity, makes the atmosphere feel heavier. However, the increased rainfall brings a pleasant, cooler touch to the evenings.

Temperature

Bwiam's average high-temperature marks a still very hot 37.4°C (99.3°F) with the advent of May, closely mirroring that of the preceding month. Bwiam, in the heat of May, registers a significant plunge to a mean of 23.3°C (73.9°F) during the nights.

Heat index

For May, the heat index is evaluated at a burning hot 45°C (113°F). Attention: Heat exhaustion and heat cramps are anticipated. Prolonged effort can result in heatstroke.
Be advised, the heat index considers values for conditions in shade and with a light breeze. The heat index has the possibility to be enhanced by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees when there is direct sun exposure.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'real feel' or 'apparent temperature', is an amalgamation of air temperature and humidity to express the equivalent perceived temperature. Factors encompassing physical activity, clothing, and metabolic differences have a role in shaping the individual's impression of temperature. By being directly under the sun, it's possible for the felt temperature to increase by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are especially crucial for babies and toddlers. Young individuals usually face more risks than adults due to their lower sweat production. Their large skin surface area relative to their tiny bodies and high heat production from their activities adds to their risk.
The natural method the human body uses to remove excess heat is by perspiring and letting sweat evaporate. Augmented relative humidity impedes typical body cooling mechanisms by lowering the evaporation rate, resulting in decreased body cooling and an amplified perception of heat. When heat uptake goes beyond the body's cooling mechanisms, there's a surge in body temperature, posing health risks.

Humidity

In May, the average relative humidity is 47%.

Rainfall

March, May through November are months with rainfall. May is the first month it rains. Throughout May, in the average 2.5 rainfall days, it receives 3mm (0.12") of precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 84.2 rainfall days, and 453mm (17.83") of precipitation is accumulated.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 12h and 44min.
On the first day of May in Bwiam, sunrise is at 06:42 and sunset at 19:19. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:36 and sunset at 19:27 GMT.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in May in Bwiam is 9.9h.

UV index

April and May, with an average maximum UV index of 8, are months with the highest UV index in Bwiam, The Gambia. A UV Index estimate of 8 to 10 represents a very high health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: The average daily UV index of 8 in May transforms into the following instructions:
Emphasize protection. Neglecting it can lead to swift damage to the skin and eyes. It's important to stay in the shade and limit exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV radiation is most intense, although remember that shade structures may not provide full sun protection. Limit sun-induced ocular harm with sunglasses that feature UVA and UVB filtration.