Above-average rainfall forecast for early winter

As the Zululand region and much of KZN overcomes the latest round of heavy rains and flooding, weather forecasters are predicting a wet start to the winter season.

According to the SA Weather Service (SAWS), the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is in a neutral state, and forecasts show it will likely remain this way for the duration of the cooler months.

This means higher than average rainfall expected for early winter for much of the country, while minimum and maximum temperatures will likely be above normal.

Predictions indicate a higher probability to switch to an El Niño state during the July, August and September months.

However, its impact will be limited until summer.

SAWS said that, while much of South Africa is expected to receive above-average winter rainfall, the southwestern winter rainfall region is forecast for below-average precipitation which could negatively impact crop and livestock farming.

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