SAWS long-term weather forecast
April to August 2021 forecast

The forecast for the coming months looks positive in timber growing areas.

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in a La Niña state; however, the influence of this on South Africa is limited due to it being the winter season. The forecast indicates that it will most likely weaken and return to a neutral state by the winter season.

The multi-model rainfall forecast indicates mostly above-normal rainfall during late-autumn (Apr-May-Jun) and early-winter (May-Jun-Jul) and mostly below-normal rainfall during mid-winter (Jun-Jul-Aug). Mostly above-normal minimum and maximum temperatures are expected over the country with isolated parts across the country indicating below-normal temperatures throughout the whole forecast period. The full report is available.

We will continue to provide updates on the predictions by the South African Weather Service and provide updates on any future assessments that may provide more clarity on the current expectations for the coming seasons.