Antananarivo is in located on the eastern slope of the mountains close to the center of the country. Its latitude and longitude were around 18° 55' S and 47° 31' E. The warmest month of the year is usually January or February, both with an average of 69°F. The coolest month of the year is July, with an average temperature of 57°F. This gives Antananarivo the temperature range of 8°F which is not much at all. Part of the reason for this warmer climate with such a small range is because it is rather close to the equator. Also, what I realized about the city is that it really isn't not affected by any of the temperature controls that we had discussed in my meteorology class (sorry for the double negative). It is close to the equator so it doesn't have much temperature change during the year. It is on a mountain at an elevation of 4,186ft, so it stays cooler that what it would at the shore. Also since it is up in the mountains it tends to be quite cloudier during the day which also helps to keep it cooler. It is on an island and on the side of the island that the wind runs into so the warmer air that sweeps SE into the island from the ocean is blown up into the city (thus being one of the causes of the clouds I brought up just before this). Since Antananarivo is affected by so much there are many things that could occur to cause a fluctuation in the city. In fact, when I was researching it happens that things are currently happening there that are causing quite the stir, and not just in the city but the whole country. One of the things being the oceans and their temperature and climate. Madagascar is know for its beautiful reefs that overflow with sea life and if those are taken away by climate change the country would be headed for not such a great place. It has also been getting rainier and rainier each year. This is not only causing flooding but providing the country to be the perfect habitat for locusts. Literally 500 billion locust are thought to be on the island right now and could take down nearly 60% of Madagascar's rice crop! Rice is the staple ingredient in the countries cuisine. When looking to the future for Madagascar I can only hope there will be brightness... I have included a video of the locust in Antananarivo for your view pleasures... I could never even imagine it.
Madagascar seems like a really awesome place!! the climate there is much warmer than the frosty temperature of Greenland. Similar to greenland, Madagascar, also is a large island with a mountain on it making the temperature much colder than at sea level. The locust population is also very cool. I have never witnessed a swarm of locust before and i hope i never have to. You have a Wonderful blog!!
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