October weather forecast
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

October signals the return of dry conditions in Ouagadougou, with rainfall plummeting dramatically to 33mm (1.3"). Despite the lowering rainfall, temperatures and humidity remain relatively high. Simultaneously, the UV index stagiars to a slightly lower 11. The amount of daylight begins to fall, mirroring the reducing solar intensity. October's weather paves the way for the approaching dry season.

Temperature

The shift into October is marked by a modest rise in the average high-temperature, moving from September's hot 32°C (89.6°F) to a very hot 35.4°C (95.7°F). A noticeable temperature swing characterizes Ouagadougou's October nights, dipping to an average of 22.5°C (72.5°F).

Heat index

October's average heat index is calculated to be a life-threatening hot 45°C (113°F). Attention: Heat exhaustion and heat cramps are quite likely. Heatstroke becomes a risk with continued exertion.
Given the heat index, its values are aligned with shaded sites and gentle winds. Exposure to the sun directly might heighten the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'apparent temperature', blends air temperature and moisture content to represent the felt temperature to humans. Metabolic differences, pregnancy status, and the level of physical activity are additional factors influencing an individual's weather perception. With direct sunlight, be aware that it might enhance the heat sensation, raising the heat index by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values hold particular significance for children. Young kids are often more at risk than adults as they tend to perspire less. Besides, their skin surface is larger relative to their small bodies, and their increased heat output from their active lifestyle compounds their risk.
The natural cooling mechanism in humans involves perspiration, where the evaporation of sweat balances out excessive warmth. When relative humidity is on the rise, it curtails evaporation, thereby reducing the heat elimination from the body and causing the feeling of being excessively hot. The body faces dehydration threats when its cooling efforts are outpaced by excessive heat gain.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in October is 58%.

Rainfall

In Ouagadougou, during October, the rain falls for 1.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 33mm (1.3") of precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 35.2 rainfall days, and 788mm (31.02") of precipitation is accumulated.

Daylight

The average length of the day in October is 11h and 51min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 05:55 and sunset at 17:55. On the last day of October, sunrise is at 05:58 and sunset at 17:40 GMT.

Sunshine

The months with the most sunshine are January through March, May, October and November, with an average of 9h of sunshine.

UV index

In October, the average daily maximum UV index is 11. A UV Index estimate of 11, and higher, represents an extreme threat to health from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index, 11 during October, leads to the following recommendations:
Employ every precaution of importance, unprotected skin and eyes could burn within moments. The Sun's UV radiation is most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Try to avoid direct sun exposure during these hours. For effective sun eye protection, rely on sunglasses certified for UVA and UVB resistance. A sunscreen boasting a minimum SPF of 30 should be generously applied and reapplied even on cloudy days, post swim or outdoor exercise.