Last Updated on 16th November 2019 2:26 PM by AfriWX
🤦♂️ We have just received the latest long term rainfall forecasts from the IRI and it’s really not looking good at all.
International Research Institute for Climate and Society
The IRI / Climate Society are specialists in forecasting long term rainfall outlooks both through computer modelling and human forecasting combined.
The IRI is also the definitive organization who monitors ENSO (El Niño/Southern Oscillation) and La Niña weather cycles.
Possible return of El Niño?
We have already seen reports of El Niño returning in 2020 and these latest long-term rainfall forecasts for Southern Africa, seem to be confirming that this is truly a possibility now.
PLEASE do NOT take this post as fear-mongering by any means.
PLEASE Take this post as an advisory.
Consider yourself advised rather than sitting in the dark or with your head in the sand regarding the state of our climate.
Be Water Wise NOW
Do not wait for water restrictions, do not wait until dams run dry and do not wait until Government wakes up and realises we have a water problem.
We ARE a water-scarce country, we always will be, and we should ALL use water sparingly all the time.
Dismal Spring Rainfall
Our rainfall season thus far has been DISMAL, to say the least.
Rainfall forecasts have failed repeatedly and we are already mid-November and our rainfall figures for the country are really not looking good.
Many farmers have not even put a seed into the ground because the ground in many parts is still bone dry due to lack of soil moisture as we have not had any substantial rainfall.
We hate to be the bearers of bad news but the reality is we have just not had any good rainfall so far this season.
Current medium and long-term forecasts are also not looking good, so put two and two together and use your own common sense.
Think before you open that tap … think where that water comes from.
Be #WaterWise
Rainfall Outlook Maps December 2019 through to May 2020
Images below are Copyright: IRI – International Research Institute for Climate and Society
Just REMEMBER we are that tiny little piece in the bottom of these maps.
Outlook from the South African Weather Service
Here is also a recent media release from the South African Weather Service – which says “Uncertain Summer Outlook”
Just how arid / dry is Southern Africa?
Take a look at today’s Satellite image and decide for yourself if Southern Africa is water rich in any way. We have marked green-ish areas while the rest of the country looks very much dry.
Once again, take this post as an advisory. Install a rain tank on your house and use water sparingly. EVERY DROP COUNTS !!!!
What does white on the map mean? Normal, no rain or no forecast?
Informative, thanks
Good info