WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The rainfall that dominated the western parts of South Africa over the past weekend, extending into Monday 12 December, contributed to significant impacts as well as new local records for rain for the Paarl and Wellington weather stations.
Over a 48-hour period, Paarl measured 65.2 mm and Wellington 59 mm. Other rainfall figures worth mentioning include Jonkershoek (Stellenbosch region), where 76.4 mm was measured (also over a 48-hour period), 54.8 mm for Elgin Grabouw and 25.4 mm for Cape Town International Airport (CTIA).
Moreover, the following preliminary rainfall measurements were recorded during the period 10 to 12 December 2022;
- Sutherland – 78 mm
- Porterville – 54.8 mm
- Robben Island – 34.6 mm
- Ceres – 51.4 mm
- Plettenberg Bay – 43.4 mm
- Beaufort-West - 54.8 mm
The total accumulated rain recorded from 12 to 13 December 2022 over Paarl (40 mm in a 24-hour period) was a new record for December. The Paarl weather station first opened in 1993.
The previous record was 35 mm within a 24-hour period, set in December 2002.
Correspondingly, the Wellington weather station also broke their December record over a 20-year period from 2002 to date. The previous highest figure recorded was 35.2 mm on the 5th of December 2021 with the new highest figure being 39,8 mm on 12 December 2022.
The public are strongly urged to consult reputable and reliable sources of weather information and to follow warnings and updates as issued by the South African Weather Service.
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