National Agro-meteorological Committee (NAC) Advisory on the2023/24 summer season

During July, above normal rainfall was received over the north-eastern parts of the country, southern Free State, parts of the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and North West Provinces. In August, rainfall decreased significantly, resulting in below normal rainfall over most areas with patches of above normal rainfall only evident in Limpopo Province. In September, above normal rainfall was received in the south-western regions of the country and the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The remainder of the country received below normal rainfall. For the season July to September, normal to above normal rainfall was received in the south-western half of the country. The eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga received above normal rainfall. The rest of the country received below normal rainfall.

The veld and livestock are in reasonable to poor condition in most areas. Land preparations are underway for summer crops. Above normal rainfall is anticipated during early summer in most summer rainfall areas. However, towards mid-summer rainfall is expected to be below normal in the central and western parts of the country. Above normal rainfall is anticipated for the north eastern parts of the country during mid-summer. Temperatures are expected to be above normal countrywide. However, the seasonal forecast emphasizes caution as the El Niño effect might still influence the weather patterns thereby change the seasonal outlook for the mid and late summer. Farmers are encouraged to continually monitor these conditions through the extended weather forecast for short-term to medium-term planning.