The South African Weather Service highlighted that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation is currently in a La Niña state, and forecasts indicate that it will likely remain in this state during the remainder of 2022 and early 2023.
South Africa, and the broader Southern Africa region continue to show signs that point to yet another favourable agricultural season in 2022/23, according to Agricultural Business Chamber chief economist, Wandile Sihlobo.
He said that in their Seasonal Climate Watch report last week, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) highlighted that “the El Niño-Southern Oscillation is currently in a La Niña state, and forecasts indicate that it will likely remain in this state during the remainder of 2022 and early 2023.”
A La Niña event usually has the strongest impact on rainfall during the mid-summer months.
“With the continued strengthening of the La Niña event, there is a high chance that it will have its usual effect on South Africa, generally for above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures over the summer rainfall areas,” it said.
Sihlobo said this suggested a move from the weak La Niña state initially anticipated a few months ago to a more normal state in the country and the region.
