South Africa is bracing for a potentially wet summer, with forecasts indicating above-normal rainfall and a risk of flooding in various regions.
Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela from the South African Weather Service has warned that central and eastern parts of the country may experience heavy rains and thunderstorms, particularly in the eastern provinces.
Despite the expected precipitation, temperatures are also anticipated to soar this summer. Last weekend’s snowfall in multiple provinces, including Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape, caused significant disruptions.
Motorists faced long delays, some stranded for up to 13 hours on major routes, as heavy snowfall led to closed roads and impacted livestock and crops.
Limpopo faces below-normal rainfall, while other areas prepare for increased summer precipitation.The snowfall was attributed to a cold weather system known as a cut-off low, which brought moisture and lowered freezing levels. According to forecaster Kanyisa Makubalo, this system can intensify weather conditions, leading to more severe outcomes.
As summer approaches, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) remains neutral, but predictions are uncertain about a shift toward a La Niña state, which could influence rainfall patterns.
While the forecast indicates above-normal rainfall for many summer rainfall areas, the Limpopo region is expected to face below-normal conditions.
The weather service emphasizes the importance of monitoring these patterns, especially as they could significantly affect agriculture. Farmers are advised to adopt effective water conservation and drainage techniques to mitigate the impacts of varying rainfall.
While some areas may benefit from increased rainfall, others, particularly in Limpopo, are likely to encounter drier conditions as summer unfolds.