SADC braces for a dry, hot rainy season

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is facing a worrying rainfall season, with most countries likely to receive below-normal rainfall between October 2026 and March 2027.

The warning was issued through the 33rd Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum held at Swakopmund from 25 to 28 August.

The outlook shows that Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and parts of South Africa are among areas expected to experience below-normal rainfall between January and March 2027.

For October to December 2026, most of the SADC region is also forecast to receive below-normal rainfall, although parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Comoros are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.

“Temperatures are also expected to remain a concern, with above-average temperatures forecast across most of the region between October 2026 and January 2027, ” reads the outlook statement issued on Thursday.

According to the climate experts, the coming season will be influenced by major climate drivers, including a strong El Niño, the Indian Ocean Dipole and Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole.

The experts warned that these climate drivers present an unfavourable outlook for the region.

“Namibia and other affected countries are, therefore, expected to prepare for possible water shortages, pressure on agriculture and other climate-related challenges,” reads the statement.

However, the forum stressed that the outlook applies to broad areas and three-month periods and should not be interpreted as a prediction for specific communities or individual months.

National meteorological services have been urged to provide country-specific updates and guidance as the season progresses.

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