Severe weather patterns have been affecting Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, where the South African Weather Service (Saws) has predicted rain for inland areas on October 9 and 10, 2024. The region has recently experienced significant weather disruptions, including heavy snowfall that left thousands of motorists stranded along the N3 highway late last month.
In response to these challenges, Saws has initiated a king-size testbed project that began on October 1. This initiative aims to bolster the capabilities of the Weather and Climate Services for Africa (WISER) Early Warnings for Southern Africa (EWSA) project, which operates in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zambia. The primary goal is to enhance meteorological forecasting and disseminate critical weather information, potentially saving lives in affected communities.
The ongoing severe weather conditions and the efforts to improve forecasting highlight the urgent need for effective weather management strategies in the region, as communities face increasing risks from climate-related events.