Various roads in Goodwood were flooded after heavy rain fell on parts of the Western Cape.
July 2024 saw record-breaking rainfall in south-western parts of South Africa, following a slow start to the winter rainfall season.
The SA Weather Service said at beginning of June 2024, rainfall accumulation was notably below normal, consistent with seasonal forecasts that predicted a drier winter period.
However, the landscape changed drastically in July, as a series of cold fronts swept through the region, some of which brought severe weather conditions and substantial rainfall.
An analysis of rainfall data from the weather bureau’s stations reveals that the Cape Town City (Oranjezicht) station recorded 31.6mm of rain in July 2024, far exceeding the long-term average of 128mm for this month.
“This notable total not only exceeded the historical average, but it is also the highest monthly rainfall recorded for July since comprehensive records began in 1960. In contrast, the previous year saw only 81.8mm of rain in July, highlighting the major difference in rainfall between these two years,” the weather service said.
The Cape Town International Airport station recorded the highest monthly rainfall total since the station’s inception in July 1956, exceeding three times the average for July.
“This remarkable record underscores the intensity and impact of the multiple cold fronts experienced throughout the month,” the SA Weather Service said.
The station in Newlands at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens received over 500mm of rain for July 2024, making it the wettest month on record for this station since 1999.
The stations in Franschhoek, Kenilworth, and Villiersdorp, with records dating back to the late 2000s, also reported significant rainfall for the month.
“These three stations set new records since their inception, even surpassing the total monthly rainfall recorded during the September storm of 2023,” the service said.
Additionally, the Cape Winelands stations, including Paarl, Worcester, and Jonkershoek, have experienced substantial rainfall this winter season, with long-term monthly records being broken in these areas last month.
Widespread damage was reported from the start of July well into the month, including strong winds that blew off roofing and minor disruptive hail reported on July 7, in Stellenbosch’s Helshoogte Pass. Thick blankets of snow covered the mountainous areas of the Western Cape, bringing shivering temperatures.
“The transition from a dry start to a series of impactful weather systems reminds us of the complexities of our climate,” the weather bureau said.
Cape Times
Related Topics: