August weather forecast
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

August continues the climate conditions seen in July, with a slight increase in rainfall to 227mm (8.94"). The decline in sunshine hours and UV index persists. Despite reduced sunlight, temperatures stay relatively constant with July. August shows the largest amount of cloud cover observed in the year. The progression towards September brings a slowdown in rainfall.

Temperature

August, characterized by an average high temperature of 30.9°C (87.6°F) and a low temperature of 21.9°C (71.4°F), is generally the coldest month.

Heat index

In August, the heat index is calculated to be a torrid 39°C (102.2°F). Additional precautions are required to avert heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Persistent activity may culminate in heatstroke.
One should consider that heat index numbers are for shaded settings and light wind. Heat index values might soar by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees with exposure to direct sunshine.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'feels like' or 'felt air temperature', embodies the combination of air temperature and moisture content to illustrate perceived heat. Metabolic differences, pregnancy status, and the level of physical activity are additional factors influencing an individual's weather perception. When in direct sunlight, one should be cautious as it can raise the heat index by as much as 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values hold particular importance for children. Typically, young kids are at a higher risk than adults since they sweat less. Also, the larger skin surface in proportion to their small bodies and the heightened heat production due to their active nature adds to their vulnerability.
To prevent overheating and help regulate its internal temperature, the human body sweat and rely on the evaporation to cool down. When relative humidity is heightened, it slows the rate of evaporation, thereby decreasing the body's ability to shed heat and creating a sensation of overheating. Accumulating heat beyond the body's cooling measures leads to rising temperatures and potential ailments.

Humidity

With an average relative humidity of 74%, August is the most humid month.

Rainfall

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 10.9 days and typically aggregates up to 227mm (8.94") of precipitation.

Daylight

In Ouagadougou, the average length of the day in August is 12h and 31min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 05:52 and sunset at 18:32. On the last day of August, sunrise is at 05:55 and sunset at 18:17 GMT.

Sunshine

With an average of 6h of sunshine, August has the least sunshine of the year.

UV index

February through September, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index. A UV Index of 11, and more, symbolizes an ultimate health vulnerability from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for the ordinary person.
Note: The daily high UV index of 12 in August translates into this advice:
Execute all vital precautions. Preventing sun damage is of utmost importance. Avoid direct Sun exposure and stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., a time when UV radiation is most intense, noting that not all shade structures offer full protection. For optimum UV protection, wear sun-resistant attire complemented with a hat and quality shades. One should apply and reapply liberally a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30+ every two hours and immediately after a swim or an outdoor exercise.