Rainy conditions could continue over much of the summer rainfall region around Christmas, with further possible precipitation in the first week of January.
By Alani Janeke, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Rain fell mainly between 11 and 14 December over parts of the summer rainfall region, although precipitation continued to occur in isolated areas. In the Northern Cape, rain has caused problems for table grape producers, with damage reported to ripe grapes.
Further rain is possible over the Northern Cape, with heavy rainfall likely, especially during the period from 21 to 26 December, says Johan van den Berg, an independent agricultural meteorologist. Further rain is also expected in the first week of January.
“Further east, rain is possible across almost all provinces until around Christmas, with additional rainfall also expected in the first week of January. Forecasts indicate a chance of rain for the very dry Eastern Cape from 15 to 17 December, as well as from 21 to 25 December.”
Over the winter rainfall area, the chance of rain over most regions, as well as the West Coast, is poor. Light rain of 5mm or less may occur over parts of these areas around 23 and 24 December.
Also read: Good chance of daily rain, more hail in December
Temperatures and tropical cyclones
Van den Berg says very high temperatures are predicted over the western parts of the country, as well as southern Namibia, in the coming days and weeks. Temperatures may rise above 35°C in parts of the Western Cape, especially from 18 to 23 December.
In the Northern Cape, very high temperatures are also expected. In Upington, among other places, the mercury could rise to 35°C and higher from 15 to 31 December.
Meanwhile, the tropical cyclone season in the Indian Ocean begins in December and peaks around February. The first fairly strong cyclone has developed northwest of Australia and is moving westwards, but it is expected to remain far east of Madagascar before weakening and dissipating.
“So, it does not appear that there will be any cyclones for at least the next two to three weeks,” says Van den Berg. “However, sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar, have started to warm in recent weeks, which could increase the risk of cyclones near Madagascar, particularly around February.”
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