Farmers in the Northern Cape and Free State are anxiously awaiting February rains to alleviate drought conditions that threaten their livestock and pastures.
Farmers in the Northern Cape and Free State are anxiously awaiting February rains, hoping to alleviate the worsening drought conditions that threaten their livestock and pastures. They express a dire need for more precipitation before winter arrives, as forecasts predict more dry days following recent heavy downpours. South African Weather Service forecaster Mashitjaneng Mokwena indicates a dry week and weekend ahead, with scattered showers over the interior ranging from 30% to 60% chance.
Mokwena notes that February, March, and April are expected to see above-normal rainfall in the eastern regions of the country, while the rest of the country anticipates normal rainfall patterns. Vox weather meteorologist Michelle du Plessis corroborates the forecast, predicting a dry day in Gauteng today, with scattered thunderstorms in the Northern Cape, North West, and Free State. She anticipates rain and thunderstorms in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Free State, and Northern Cape tomorrow. Friday and the weekend are expected to remain mostly dry in Gauteng, with a possibility of thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal, around the escarpment in Mpumalanga, and over the highveld of Mpumalanga. Meanwhile, the Cape provinces and Free State are predicted to experience hot weather with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. Agricultural association TLU SA chairman Benny van Zyl highlights the critical drought conditions in vast areas of the country, particularly the Northern Cape and the southwest Free State. He emphasizes the urgent need for more rain in February, especially in livestock areas that are struggling with dwindling pastures for their cattle and sheep. Van Zyl acknowledges that not all farmers will receive the anticipated rainfall but expresses optimism, stating that agriculture is currently in a significantly better position than a month ago
DROUGHT FARMING RAINFALL SOUTH AFRICA AGRICULTURE
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