July cold fronts ushered in record-breaking rainfall in Cape Town – SA Weather Service

CAPE TOWN - Following a slow start to the winter rainfall season, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said July saw record-breaking rainfall totals in some areas of the south-western parts of the country.

Forecasters said in June, rainfall accumulation was below normal, consistent with seasonal forecasts that predicted a drier winter period.

However, the conditions drastically changed the following month as a series of cold fronts made landfall.

Intense cold fronts that swept through the region brought with it substantial rain, resulting in flooding, damaging winds, and snowfall.

Residents in some communities, especially informal settlements, that were hardest hit are still picking up the pieces and rebuilding their homes.

An analysis of rainfall data from SAWS stations revealed that the Cape Town city station recorded 317.6 millimetres (mm) of rain in July, far exceeding the long-term average of 128mm for that month.

This total not only exceeded the historical average but was also the highest monthly rainfall recorded for July since comprehensive records began in 1960.

The previous year saw only 81.8mm of rain in July.

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.