The chance of rain over the summer rainfall region is set to improve this week.
By Alani Janeke, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Light precipitation has occurred over parts of the summer grain area in recent weeks, while very warm conditions have prevailed and drought damage has begun to appear in the central and eastern parts. Forecasts indicate a strong possibility of rain over almost the entire summer grain region from 12 February to the end of the month. “More than 20mm of rain is possible from 12 to 18 February, with further rain in the last ten days of February,” says Johan van den Berg, independent agricultural meteorologist.
From 11 to 15 February the chance of rain improves over the central parts of the summer rainfall region, although it is only from 14 February that conditions improve over the eastern and northern parts. “If these forecasts materialise, they will have a very favourable influence on the summer grain harvest. It should largely be timely enough to limit severe drought damage and pave the way for a good summer grain harvest.”
Also read:
Severe storms and tornadoes: How farmers can stay prepared
WATCH | Are we getting too much rain?
Farmers must adapt to new climate reality as weather patterns shift
