Extreme heat hits the Lowveld region

MBOMBELA – The Lowveld has been experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching more than 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Sunday and Monday were scorching. City residents felt some relief early on Tuesday morning when a light drizzle appeared. This was short-lived as the sun came out and the mercury quickly rose to the high 30s again.

According to the South African Weather Services (SAWS), the highest temperature recorded for October thus far was on Monday and peaked at a whopping 42,2 degrees Celsius. January was the only month that exceeded this with a recorded temperature of 42,8 degrees Celsius.

SAWS predicts that temperatures will remain extremely high for the next two weeks, with the exception of today, Monday and next weekend where you might want to reach for your umbrella as there’s a good chance of rain in parts of the Lowveld.

The extreme heat and low rainfall are starting to take their toll. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, Vygeboom Dam’s water level has fallen to 83,70 per cent, while Witklip currently stands on 58,90 per cent, Kwena at 81 per cent, Da Gama at 71,2 per cent and Inyaka at 85,2.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the basic strategy to follow to ensure successful farming in these harsh conditions would be to minimise and diversify risk, optimise soil-water availability and to manage the renewable resources like rain water and grazing. The department adds that the veld is in reasonable condition, but that the overall condition of livestock is poor.

It says the levels of major dams have decreased from an average of 88 per cent in 2014 to 75 per cent to date.

According to a report issued by the Famine Early Warning System Network in September, there is a 95 per cent chance that the El Niño we are currently experiencing, will continue for the remainder of 2015. Based on an analysis of previous El Niño events, the province is expected to experience erratic rain, possibly leading to a late start, along with poorly distributed rain for the first half of the season.

These conditions will likely result in inadequate moisture for crops, which could adversely impact weeding opportunities that normally provide income for very poor communities. However, SA is one of the only countries in Africa where acute food insecurity will be minimal throughout December.

According to SAWS, high probabilities of below-normal rainfall are expected for the first part of summer with relatively small chances of above-normal rainfall for mid-summer. Predictions show that above-normal temperatures will continue throughout October to February 2016.

Suggested strategies

Farmers

With the seasonal forecast for dry and hot conditions, with little moisture available, farmers are advised to be conservative in their planting, that is to say planting density, cultivar and areas being planted.

Domestic-and-home garden water use

Conserve existing water supplies, eradicate water weeds, limit water wastage, repair leaking pipes, reuse water, use grey water in gardens and harvest it during rainy days.

Veld fires

Communities and farmers are advised to maintain firebreaks in the summer rainfall areas and to begin construction thereof in winter-rainfall areas. When conditions are favourable for veld fires, prohibit blazes in the open, have an alarm system, organise firefighting teams and beaters, and move livestock into a safe place. When one breaks out, use sand or other loose mineral soil material, tree branches and water.

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