SAWS warns public against spreading misleading and false information on weather patterns
This follows a message purporting to be that of the weather service making the rounds on social media claiming there will be a cold spell country-wide that will last until August this year.
South African Weather Service / Instagram: @southafricanweatherservice
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned the public not to spread misleading and false information on weather patterns.
This follows a message purporting to be that of the weather service making the rounds on social media claiming there will be a cold spell country-wide that will last until August this year.
The weather service has slammed this message as false.
Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said the seasonal climate watch expects minimum and maximum temperatures to be above normal for most of the country during the winter season, while temperatures will be warmer in the winter months.
"The Aphelion is the point on the Earth's orbit when it is furthest from the sun. According to research, it's expected to occur on the 3rd of July 2025, and it is important that we emphasise that the distance variation does not significantly impact temperatures or seasons in South Africa. The seasons are determined by the Earth's axial tilt, not its distance from the sun. As such, we plead with the public not to circulate misleading information."
Thobela said the country would continue to be affected by regular different weather patterns in winter, like cold fronts and cut-off lows.
"In addition, the southern coastal regions are expected to have below-normal temperatures for the remainder of the winter period. Furthermore, the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) returned to a neutral state and is predicted to remain there for a foreseeable future. Enso has limited influence on South Africa during the winter season."