With no major rainfall forecast for the rest of January, Nelson Mandela Bay is heading for one of the driest January’s in 122 years.
This is according to Garth Sampson, Client Liaison Officer from the local South African Weather Service.
“The year 2022 has not started off on the best of note, weather wise,” Sampson explained.
“Tourists are complaining of windy, cool conditions for this
time of the year and residents are praying and hoping for a little bit of rain.”
As of January 20, only 3mm of rain was measured at the airport in Gqeberha (from January 1 to 20), he said.
“Although the seasonal forecast is showing (and it is
occurring) above normal (rainfall) over the interior, there is not much promise for the
rest of the summer season.
“We can only hope that the winter season (our traditional
rainfall season) will be a bit more promising.”
Position – Year – Rain (mm)
- 1983 – 5.5mm
- 1977 – 6.5mm
- 1904 – 6.9mm
- 2018 – 8.2mm
- 1957 – 9.3mm
- 2013 – 9.6mm
- 1926 – 9.7mm
- 1989 – 9.8mm
- 2009 – 9.8mm
- 1973 – 10.3mm
