Record temperatures broken in parts of SA

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says records were broken in both the maximum and minimum temperatures in the month of November.

This as the weather service issued an alert of heartwave conditions in the north-eastern parts of the country from Sunday, 19 November 2023, to Tuesday, 28 November 2023.

Hot to very hot conditions were experienced in most parts of the country, with isolated areas having extremely hot conditions for several days in a row.

SAWS said hot conditions reached their peak on Monday, when extremely hot conditions were experienced in large parts of the Northern Cape, extending to adjacent areas of North West and the Free State experienced extremely hot conditions due to a surface high pressure system that was assisted by convergence aloft.

‘’Preliminary data indicates new temperature records for November over the Northern Cape, Free State and North West provinces. More than 10 stations recorded the highest temperature records on the 27th , with the Automatic Weather Station at Augrabies Falls recording the highest maximum temperature of 46,7°C, breaking its previous record of 46,2°C (2019-11-28).’’

‘’It must be noted that the highest maximum temperature record for Augrabies Falls remains at 48,6°C, measured on 2016-01-05, and the 46,7°C is the new record for the month of November,’’ said SAWS in a statement.

COURTESY: SAWS

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in an El Niño state and according to the latest predictions is expected to persist through most of the summer months.

ENSO’s typical impact on Southern Africa is in favour of generally drier and warmer conditions during the spring and summer months from October to March. However, current global forecasts indicate a great deal of uncertainty for the typical drier conditions that South Africa experiences during typical El Niño seasons, over the eastern parts of the country.

‘’Weather extremes will continue to occur from time to time during the summer season as much as drier conditions are expected. Caution is advised at this point, as the El Niño effect might still manifest its influence in the next few months and change the outlook of the rainfall forecast for mid- and late summer.’’

SAWS warned that minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal countrywide for the forecast period.

Meanwhile, the temperatures in the Western Cape have reached the upper-30s, on Thursday. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has asked the public to be extra cautious when in the water.

‘’Don’t venture too deep into the water. We are appealing to the parents to ensure that their children has responsible adult supervision around all water – inland water ways, along the coast,’’ advised Craig Lambinon, NSRI spokesperson.

‘’Only swim at beaches, protected by lifeguards. Swim along the safe demarcated swimming zones, using red and yellow flags. With inland water ways – even your swimming pools at home, should have a safety cloth around it,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George