African Summer

Mali's lower latitude sets the country up for weather and climate unlike that in the States.  Most of Mali's population lives at around 15 degrees north latitude.  This means that twice a year the sun will be directly overhead (no shadows...) and that during the longest days of the year (now) the sun passes across the northern part of the sky.  Winter is not as dark here as it is in the States and summer days aren't quite as long.  The other week I mixed up my north and south because of the sun's different tracks across the sky.  I was disappointed in myself.

Another result of living at 15 degrees is that it's so hot.  Its brutally hot!  I knew that coming here, but that didn't make the heat suck less.  I can't say for sure, but if its a sunny day, it is nearing 100 degrees.  If you're from Arizona you probably don't think that sounds too bad, but try to go a few days without AC and it might change your mind.  Also, the trainers like us to wear pants because it is what respectable Malians wear in public.  It's more professional I suppose.  I find it hard to feel professional when my clothes are saturated in sweat. 

Its interesting to see the way the village adapts to the heat.  Since buildings are mostly concrete with tin roofs, no time is spent inside.  We eat in yard, we have class outside beneath a mango tree,  and there is no roof over our heads when we bathe or use the bathroom.  We even sleep outside!  Even more interesting is seeing my habits change.  I bathe twice a day because sweat feels gross and because it is a way to find some relief from the heat.  I also wake up at 6:30 every day and enjoy the cooler morning temperatures.

There is one great thing about 15 degrees latitude and that is the thunderstorms.  I like them not only because they dampen the heat, but mostly because they are the most spectacular storms I have ever witnessed.  They can usually be seeing approaching in the distance as an ominous reddish-black mass constantly flickering lightning.  Soon the wind slams into the village carrying dust and debris.  The rain follows in buckets.  Its dark and wet, and everytime I am convinced that the wind is going to rip the tin roof off my room.  The first time a storm hit I was scared and went inside. But watching my 8 year old host sister run out and spend 10 minutes untying a ram from a tree in what seemed like a class 5 hurricane, made me realize that these storms were not unusual.  One storm was particularly strong and a medium sized river raged just outside my compound.  That was pretty awesome and dangerous.

June marks the beginning of the rainy season so I expect these storms to continue.  The storms will provide cloud cover and a wet earth that will absorb more of the sun's radiation.  So while the States are at the begginning of summer, the hottest days in Mali are about done.  The rainy season extends through September for most of Western Africa.  Then it is "cold" season.  I've always been a fan of winter, but this year it is not snowboarding that I will be looking forward to.

Even though I hate the heat in Mali, things are good and I have had plenty of positive experiences that I will post soon.