More summer rain predicted for Zululand

ABOVE average late-summer rainfall accompanied by lower-than-normal temperatures are what Zululanders can look forward to in the coming months.

This according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS) whose Seasonal Climate Watch provides a climatic overview, in effect until May.

According to SAWS, the reason for this is that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has in the last month drastically developed in a cool phase, and predictions now indicate a likelihood of a moderate La Niña to be in effect during late summer.

‘The circulation over the equatorial Pacific Ocean also seems to have responded to the late evolution of a La Niña and might impact South Africa’s late summer-rainfall regions,’ said the organisation.

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‘In agreement with this assessment is the late summer-rainfall predictions, indicating that the far north-eastern parts of South Africa, as well as parts of the interior, are likely to receive above-normal rainfall in late summer.’

This should positively impact local water catchment areas.

While potential flooding remains a concern, late-summer above-normal rainfall is typically more frequent rather than more intense.

SAWS will continually monitor weather patterns, provide updates and issue warnings accordingly.

‘It is advised that early-warning systems from the SAWS be followed throughout the summer season.’

Coupled with this expected rainfall are lower late-summer temperatures than are usually experienced during this time of the year.

‘In contrast however, the south-western parts of the country are still expected to experience higher temperatures on average and possibilities for hot spells are more likely during this time.’

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