With the official return of the La Niña weather pattern, confirmed in September 2025, South Africans can expect a wetter-than-normal summer rainfall, extending to the entire Southern Africa region.

This shift, which is caused by cooling sea-surface temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, is projected to persist through December 2025 to February 2026.

How will the La Niña impact the average South African and communities?

For the wider population, the La Niña-induced rains offer essential relief in a water-stressed region:

Dams, rivers, and groundwater reserves could receive a welcome boost, thereby easing pressure on farmers and communities.

The improved prospects for summer crops like maize, sugarcane, and other staples suggest that better harvests may translate into more stable food supplies and potentially reduce consumer costs, especially following the preceding season which was hit hard by El Niño.

More abundant pasture and fodder growth could lead to improved livestock conditions, potentially reducing feed stress and costs in livestock-producing districts.

However, while the above has advantages, the general population are also advised to prepare for the drawback associated with the wet weather as there is an increased risk of flooding events and storms, which might test infrastructure resilience and necessitate community readiness.

it is worth noting the success of the season will depend heavily on the timing, regional distribution, and intensity of rainfall. 

The beneficial conditions may tighten toward the latter part of summer, as there is about a 55% chance of a return to ENSO-neutral conditions by January–March 2026.

IOL

Source link