The recurring drought in Southern Africa was most likely at its end since rainfall predictions for the region was normal. Reports from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology indicated that the probability for either La Niña or El Niño conditions for the next few months was neutral.

Although earlier predictions indicated the slight occurrence of La Niña in southern Africa, farmers in the region could look forward to normal rain this coming few months and probably normal harvests for the coming season.

Rainfall for 6 – 12 December

For the more immediate future, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s latest Weekly African Monsoon update, farmers in the northern parts of Zambia could expect above average rainfall between 6 and 12 December.

During this time, figures exceeding 50 mm could be expected in Luapula and Northern provinces. Farmers in the eastern to central parts of South Africa could also expect to measure more than 50 mm during this time.

Farmers in the southern parts of Zambia, Zimbabwe and central Mozambique could expect below average rainfall during the same time frame. Farmers in the remaining parts of the region could expect normal rainfall figures.

Rainfall for 13 – 19 December

In the week after, between 13 and 19 December, above normal rainfall is expected for the northern parts of Zambia as well as the north eastern parts of South Africa and Swaziland.

Farmers in northern Zambia in the Luapula, Northern, Copperbelt, North Western and Muchinga provinces could expect to measure figures that are higher than 50 mm during this week.

The rest of the southern African countries could expect normal figures for this time of the year.