More late summer rain predicted for Zululand region

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 into 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.

‘In agreement with this assessment are the late summer-rainfall predictions, indicating that the far northeastern parts of South Africa, as well as parts of the interior, are likely to receive abovenormal 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 earlywarning 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.’