‘This winter will be cold’: Weather forecasting for April, May, June

The South African Aviation Weather Centre says that this year’s winter will be cold than previous ones.

There already have been predictions about this and judging by extremely cold temperatures in parts of the country it will be really cold. 

Earlier this month, Lesotho was blessed with some beautiful snowfall. Even though some snow was also expected in Drakensberg, it seems the mountains remained snow-free.

COLD WEATHER FORECAST BY SA AVIATION WEATHER CENTRE

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has researchers who do seasonal forecasting. They recently published this year’s winter forecast.

Rainfall

According to the Aviation Weather Centre, Autumn and winter are generally not wet months unless one is in the western part of the country. However, tables have turned and they are expecting ABOVE NORMAL rainfall for most parts of the country, except for the west. 

Temperature

Minimum temperatures are also expected to be ABOVE NORMAL except if one is in Sutherland where they are expected to be between 0 and 20 degrees. 

Maximum temperatures

The Eastern Cape and Western Cape are expected to have BELOW NORMAL temperatures (which means it will be extremely cold) while the rest of the country is not so cold. 

Temperature: Lets start with minimum ones,you know the ones that make you go outside in the morning and just put your hand out and say "Yoh this winter is cold'.Turns out,they will be ABOVE NORMAL,except if you stay in Sutherland.We still cant forecast why would anyone stay there pic.twitter.com/cQSoFcJP9o

— SAWSAWC (@SAWS_AWC) April 12, 2022

IMPLICATION ON AGRICULTURE

According to SAWS, above-normal rainfall is expected for the north-eastern parts of the country during the late autumn and early winter. 

There is an increased risk for water logging  in areas receiving excessive rainfall that can cause crop damage. 

“The south-western part which normally receives significant rainfall during the early winter season is expected to receive mostly below-normal rainfall during this period.”

South African Weather Service

Relevant decision makers were encouraged to advise farmers in the said regions to practice soil and water conservation, proper water harvesting and storage and other appropriate farming practices. 

ALSO READ: The first 2022 snow is here! Lesotho wakes up to stunning snowfall