Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
South African Weather ServiceIn the news
El Niño is expected to cause a loss of rainfall
CLIMATE CHANGE

El Niño set to strengthen into very strong event, WMO says

The WMO and SAWS warn that El Niño is intensifying into a potentially record-breaking event, bringing severe heatwaves, low rainfall, and elevated drought risks to South Africa…

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read
CLIMATE CHANGE

The SAWS warns exceptionally strong 2026/2027 El Niño could bring severe heatwaves to SA

The South African Weather Service warns that an exceptionally strong El Niño developing in the Pacific Ocean could trigger severe heatwaves, water scarcity, and hotter, drier…

  • Sheree Bega
2 min read
Rain clouds loom over Windhoek
SOUTH AFRICA

Cold front and cut-off low plunge SA into snow, rain and bitter cold

A powerful cold front and cut-off low have plunged South Africa into a deep freeze, bringing snow to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, heavy rain, and strong winds.…

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read
Parts of the south-western Western Cape have recorded their driest July on record after most winter cold fronts missed the province. (Martin Heigan)
WATER SECURITY

Record-dry July in parts of Western Cape raises water concerns as El Niño strengthens

Parts of the south-western Western Cape recorded their driest July on record, with several weather stations measuring historically low rainfall. This, coupled with a…

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read
EL NINO

Preparing for El Niño

Scientists are warning South Africa to prepare for an unusually early and strengthening El Niño that is likely to bring hotter-than-normal conditions and raise the risk of a…

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read