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MEDIA STATEMENT
June 2017
CLIMATE ADVISORY FOR THE 2017 WINTER SEASON
Most summer rainfall areas improved greatly following good rains received during the
2016/17 summer season. Generally, the veld and livestock are in reasonable to good
condition and above average yields of summer crops are anticipated. On the other
hand, very dry conditions have been reported in the winter rainfall areas, and drought
status has been declared in the Western Cape with water restrictions in place.
According to the Seasonal Climate Watch issued by the South African Weather Service
(SAWS) dated 25 May, the forecasting system is very uncertain on a specific direction
of rainfall throughout the country. Furthermore SAWS states that this is particularly
common during winter as the forecasting systems are unable to predict the important
rainfall bearing system this time of the year. It has been indicted that temperatures
across the country are expected to be higher than normal with the exception of the
south-western parts, especially during mid-winter.
The May 2017 update issued by the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) indicates that the trading of maize and other crops is slowly increasing including
market activities related to cash crops and food. As supplies of cereals on the market
are increasing, the competition among farmers and traders in several countries is also
increasing. Given the harvest prospects of average to above average production, staple
prices are expected to continue to decline across the region. As the main 2016/17
cropping season comes to an end, preparations for a second season or winter
production is already underway in countries including Zimbabwe, Mozambique,
Lesotho, and Malawi. With the exception of drought-affected Tanzania, there is
adequate soil moisture to support good crop conditions and immediate land preparation
for winter crops without pre-irrigation.
Dryland winter crop farmers are advised to wait for sufficient moisture before planting
and stay within the normal planting window. They are also advised to be conservative in
their planting i.e. planting density/cultivar/area being planted. In addition they should
consider drought tolerant cultivars where possible. Irrigation farmers should reduce the
planting area in line with water restrictions in their areas. Farmers should follow the
weather and climate forecast regularly so as to make informed decisions.
The livestock in the country must continually be kept in line with carrying capacity of the
veld, and be provided with additional feed such as relevant licks. They should also be
provided with enough water points on the farm as well as shelter during bad weather
conditions. As the veld has dried out in summer rainfall areas, this increases the risk of
veld fires. Therefore creation of fire belts should be prioritized as well as adherence to
veld fire warnings. Episodes of cold spells and localised flooding resulting from frontal
systems will occur during winter and measures should be in place to minimise or adapt
to the negative impacts of these hazards.
For media enquiries and further information please contact:
Ms Makenosi Maroo
Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Tel no.: 012 319 6787
Cell: 072 475 2956
E-mail: [email protected]