NATIONAL NEWS - Farmers in summer rainfall regions should prepare for a third consecutive high-rainfall season which could lead to flooding, waterlogged lands, and crop damage.
The claim was made by independent meteorologist Johan van den Berg, who warned: “Many dams are still very full after the previous two high-rainfall seasons, and therefore the [potential for] flood damage is concerning.”
Van den Berg added that, while the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was currently in a weak La Niña state, it was becoming stronger.
He therefore believes most of the country’s summer rainfall regions (most parts of the country except the Western Cape) should expect above-average rainfall between November this year and January 2023.
This will be the third time since the 1950s that South Africa will experience three La Niña seasons in a row.
The previous times were between 1973 and 1975, and again between 1998 and 2001.
However, the La Niña phenomenon should start dissipating by February, and therefore slightly less rainfall would likely be experienced during the country’s autumn season in 2023 compared with the rainfall experienced this year.
Christo van der Rheede, the executive director of Agri SA, said farmers needed to take advantage of the predicted wet weather conditions.
“We need to remember that climate forecasts remain just that – a forecast. It is, however, a good indication and farmers need to use this as a basis when planning for the coming season. See the good rainfall as an opportunity to plant [crops],” Van der Rheede said.
He added that there had been many doomsday speculators the previous season, who predicted the maize crops would fail owing to too much water.
“Yet, we were able to harvest 15 million tonnes of maize. Our farmers have the necessary knowledge. They should use that and make informed decisions,” he said.
Van der Rheede added that, if disaster struck, farmers have to remember that Agri SA’s National Disaster Management Centre is always willing to assist them.
“We’ve helped farmers through drought, fire and locust damage. We will not stop helping them now.”
