Xagaa

Xagaa is one of the four seasons of the year. The term is used with two related meanings: one global and one specific to the Somali division of seasons. In the global sense, xagaa is the season when days are long, solar radiation falls consistently, and temperatures are high. In the Somali sense, xagaa is a season of limited rainfall and strong winds that follows the Gu' season.

The reason seasons differ is the obliquity of Earth's orbit. The Earth is tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees as it revolves around the sun. When the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the sun, the north enters xagaa while the south enters jiilaal (winter). Six months later, this reverses. Therefore xagaa is not a single month or date worldwide.

Somali classification of seasons

The Somali division of seasons is based on rainfall and wind patterns, not temperature alone. The four seasons are Gu', Xagaa, Dayr, and Jiilaal. Gu' is a rainy season when vegetation regenerates. Xagaa follows, marked by reduced rainfall, hot winds, and dust, particularly in the arid regions. After that comes Dayr, a lighter rainy season, while Jiilaal is a long dry season with cool nights.

The Somali xagaa generally occurs in the middle months of the year. It is associated with the southwest monsoon wind that originates from the Indian Ocean. On the southern coasts, these winds bring nutrient-rich ocean water that increases fish stocks. They also make it difficult for small boats to venture to sea.

Pastoralism and agriculture

Pastoral herders plan specifically for xagaa. When pasture and water from rain become scarce, livestock are moved to areas with permanent wells and rivers, or to highlands where herds have sheltered. Maintaining wells becomes daily work. In the farms along the Shabeelle and Jubba rivers, management of irrigation water intensifies as rainfall ceases.

Climate and health

During xagaa, high temperatures and low water availability increase the risk of dehydration and waterborne disease, as access to clean water declines. Additionally, dust carried by strong winds can affect the respiratory system. Conversely, the scarcity of standing water sometimes reduces transmission of parasitic diseases compared to rainy seasons.