EXPLAINER | Forecasters warn of unsettled weather as El Niño looms

SA is experiencing wet and unsettled weather as the country moves from winter into spring, but forecasters warn that the conditions will eventually give way to a hotter and drier summer linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Meanwhile, emergency services have urged residents to stay alert and cautious as inclement weather continues to grip parts of the country.

Spring is a transition season, which means that weather conditions can vary considerably, with a mixture of winter-like and summer-like conditions, said Tokelo Chiloane, a forecaster at the South African Weather Service.

Chiloane said two weather systems are affecting the country, resulting in the wet and unsettled conditions that are being experienced over the northern and northeastern parts.

However, the systems are expected to weaken from Thursday and move away.

The seasonal forecast indicates that a strong El Niño event is expected to develop—  Tokelo Chiloane, weather forecaster

Lehlohonolo Thobela, another forecaster, said: “We are currently experiencing a lot of cut-off low-pressure systems that are resulting in the weather conditions that we are experiencing right now.”

Despite the rainfall, Chiloane said the country should prepare for the expected effects of a strong El Niño during summer.

“The seasonal forecast indicates that a strong El Niño event is expected to develop. It is important to note that El Niño does not mean that there won’t be any rainfall,” he said.

“Rather, it is associated with a greater likelihood of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across the country during the summer rainfall season.”

Meanwhile, Johannesburg emergency services said they are on high alert following the level 2 warning issued by the weather service and are cautioning motorists and pedestrians to avoid flooded areas and seek safe shelter during thunderstorms.