The approximately 66% chance that an El Niño event is going to develop this coming summer is reportedly making it difficult for meteorologists to gain a clearer picture of weather patterns for the season.
A climate advisory for the 2014/2015 summer season, issued by the department of agriculture in the meantime, said that October to December rainfall totals were “expected to be near normal to above normal in most parts” of South Africa. The January to March rainfall totals were expected to be near normal in most areas of the country.
“With current uncertainty about the evolution of the current El Niño conditions, more emphasis will be placed on downscaled national or local level seasonal forecasts,” said the climate advisory.
Farmers were advised to regularly check updates to seasonal weather forecastsand to also utilise seven-day weather forecasts for short-term planning