The South African Weather Service’s (SAWS) seasonal forecast reveals that the forthcoming summer season will mostly be hotter than normal with rainfall patterns that is likely to favor above-normal rainfall over the summer rainfall areas. These conditions could pose public health risks and the occurrence of natural disasters, especially flooding.
The EL Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is in a neutral state, with rapid cooling experienced in the last month which could result in a weak La Niña event within the next month if current predictions hold true.
For South Africa, this translates into generally favourable rainfall conditions for the summer rainfall areas in the North-Eastern parts of the country, and as mentioned above, is expected to increase the likelihood of flooding during summer.
Predictions indicate that the North West, parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Eastern Cape, will receive above normal rainfall which will likely benefit water reservoirs. However, measures such as establishing proper drainage systems, must be taken to safeguard against floods.
Without proactive measures in anticipation of impending above average rainfall, we are likely to see drownings, injuries and hypothermia. Unfortunately for parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, predictions indicate below average rainfall patterns which could exacerbate existing drought conditions in these areas. Farmers are encouraged to implement soil and water conservation measures, proper harvesting and storage techniques and proper drainage systems to mitigate these impacts.
In addition to the rainfall, the seasonal forecast anticipates above normal minimum and maximum temperatures across the country, with exceptions in the southwestern coastal areas which will be below normal.
The latter impacts cities mostly in the Northen Cape and parts of the Western Cape, while the increased minimum and maximum temperatures will be the status quo throughout the rest of the country. This means that measures must be taken to mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses which cause harm to human health and accelerate the growth of foodborne pathogens.
Though summer is a welcome respite from winter, the SAWS would like to remind fellow South Africans that increased warming across the globe requires that everyone proactive measures to protect themselves on hot days and avoid exposure to flood prone areas where drainage is insufficient.
The EL Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is in a neutral state, with rapid cooling experienced in the last month which could result in a weak La Niña event within the next month if current predictions hold true.
For South Africa, this translates into generally favourable rainfall conditions for the summer rainfall areas in the North-Eastern parts of the country, and as mentioned above, is expected to increase the likelihood of flooding during summer.
Predictions indicate that the North West, parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Eastern Cape, will receive above normal rainfall which will likely benefit water reservoirs. However, measures such as establishing proper drainage systems, must be taken to safeguard against floods.
Without proactive measures in anticipation of impending above average rainfall, we are likely to see drownings, injuries and hypothermia. Unfortunately for parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, predictions indicate below average rainfall patterns which could exacerbate existing drought conditions in these areas. Farmers are encouraged to implement soil and water conservation measures, proper harvesting and storage techniques and proper drainage systems to mitigate these impacts.
In addition to the rainfall, the seasonal forecast anticipates above normal minimum and maximum temperatures across the country, with exceptions in the southwestern coastal areas which will be below normal.
The latter impacts cities mostly in the Northen Cape and parts of the Western Cape, while the increased minimum and maximum temperatures will be the status quo throughout the rest of the country. This means that measures must be taken to mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses which cause harm to human health and accelerate the growth of foodborne pathogens.
Though summer is a welcome respite from winter, the SAWS would like to remind fellow South Africans that increased warming across the globe requires that everyone proactive measures to protect themselves on hot days and avoid exposure to flood prone areas where drainage is insufficient.
