Wet and dry spells in Senegal: comparison of detection based on satellite products, reanalysis, and in situ estimates

Abstract. In this study, the detection and characteristics of dry/wet spells (defined as episodes when precipitation is abnormally low or high compared to usual climatology) drawn from several datasets are for Senegal. Here, four based on satellite data (TRMM-3B42 V7, CMORPH V1.0, TAMSAT V3, CHIRPS V2. 0), two reanalysis products (NCEP-CFSR ERA5), three rain gauge observations (CPC Unified V1.0/RT a 65-rain-gauge network regridded by using kriging methods, namely ordinary kriging, OK, block BK). All were converted same spatio-temporal resolution: daily cumulative rainfall regular 0.25∘ grid. The BK dataset was used reference. Despite strong agreement between spatial variability in seasonal (correlations ranging 0.94 0.99), there significant disparities spells. occurrence dry less infrared measurement techniques than coupling microwave, pointing more frequent spell events. show that appear be at start end rainy seasons. Thus, occurrences have major influence duration season, particular through “false onset” “early cessation” amplitude wet shows greatest variation datasets. Indeed, these intense OK Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) others. Lastly, indicate similar frequency occurring height West African monsoon. Our findings provide guidance choosing most suitable implementing early warning systems (EWSs) multi-risk approach integrating effective indicators monitoring detecting extreme