Mitigating the potential impacts of dry conditions triggered by La Niña in Afghanistan Format During the second half of 2020, a moderate to strong La Niña phenomenon was registered that is causing extreme weather conditions in various parts of the world. This phenomenon, which affects temperatures, precipitation and storm patterns, is expected to continue at least until spring 2021, according to the World Meteorological Organization. In Afghanistan, this commonly results in below-average rainfall and snowfall across the country. The timing of this La Niña event coincides with the main wheat season with harvests in May-July 2021, which are critical following the lean season (January-April). In the past, drier-than-average conditions associated with La Niña have affected winter crops in the country. For example, the 2017/18 winter wet season was characterized by persistent dry conditions across most of the country, combined with high temperatures, which were likely induced by La Niña. In April 2018, the Government of Afghanistan officially declared a drought emergency. The drought continued during the spring and summer months, with substantial cumulative rainfall deficits throughout the country, resulting in the lowest wheat production since 2011. These dry conditions may also lead to an increased risk of floods. As soil deteriorates, it is too dry to absorb rain runoff as well as melting snow in late March/early April which could trigger flash floods.