A powerful El Niño climate pattern is rapidly developing in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to influence South Africa's weather over the coming months. The World Meteorological Organization says there is more than a 90% chance the event will persist until at least November, increasing the risk of extreme heat, drought and veld fires across the country's summer rainfall regions.
Before a single raindrop falls, the Pacific Ocean is already helping to shape South Africa's weather.
Thousands of kilometres away, a natural climate pattern known as El Nino can influence everything from soaring temperatures and shrinking dams to the risk of devastating veld fires. have said that it will be the strongest on record.
The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed the rapid onset of a strong El Nino event.
Forecasts indicate that sea surface temperatures are expected to rise by more than 2°C above average, contributing to record-breaking global temperatures and increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events, including intense heatwaves, severe droughts and heavy rainfall around the world.
