MBABANE- The kingdom should brace itself for more rains over the next four months, a seasonal forecast released yesterday by SARCOF-32 has warned.
The SARCOF-32, which stands for the 32nd Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum, comprises all Southern African Development Community (SADC) states, including Eswatini.
According to the regional climate experts, who met from January 28 to 30 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane, most SADC countries are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall from February through June.
The forum brought together climate specialists from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services across SADC member states to review climate data and produce a coordinated seasonal forecast.The forecast was officially released by Duduzile Masina, Director of Eswatini Meteorological Services and the kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), at around midday yesterday.
The outlook indicates that most parts of the SADC region are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall for much of the remaining summer and winter months.
However, Western coastal areas and North-eastern parts of the region are expected to record comparatively lower rainfall, while Mauritius may experience below-normal rainfall from April to June.
Temperatures across the region are also expected to remain mostly above long-term averages, although some central areas may experience slightly cooler conditions.
This forecast implies that the coming months, from February to June, are likely to be warmer than historically recorded averages in most parts of the SADC region, with only central areas experiencing marginally cooler temperatures.
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Sugar cane association concerned over harvest
MBABANE – The Eswatini Sugar cane Growers’ Association (ESGA) has expressed concern that continued rainfall could lead to lower yields and disrupt production timelines.
Dr Sipho Nkambule, ESGA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), spoke to our publication yesterday, noting that while the country has had adequate rain to ensure sufficient water for irrigation, excessive rainfall and limited sunshine could negatively affect sugar cane growth.
“More rains and little sunshine may prejudice growth, leading to lower yields,” Nkambule explained.
He added that waterlogged soils impede proper soil aeration, which is critical for crop development. For farmers to achieve successful harvests, he said, there needs to be a balance between rainfall and sunshine.
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We are ready - NDMA
MBABANE – With the forecast pointing to continued rains for the remainder of the season and into part of winter, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) reaffirmed its readiness to respond.
CEO Victor Mahlalela said the agency remained prepared to assist whenever called upon, even as the wet conditions persist.
“We are not surprised by the issued forecast of more rains, as it were anticipated earlier in the season. What this means is that as an agency, we will continue to operate on the frontline to assist families affected by natural disasters, including heavy rains,” Mahlalela said.
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