vf-tropicom Meteorological Analysis for South Africa
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Seasonal Vegetation Index - 2001/2002

Seasonal vegetative index

Seasonal Rainfall - 2001/2002
in mm

Seasonal rainfall

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Preliminary Monthly Weather Analysis
Southern Africa - 2001/2002

From the African Desk, Climate Prediction Center, NOAA
Note: This information should be used with caution.
Weather data based on preliminary reports.

  • July 2002 - The Western Cape Province of South Africa continued to benefit from needed rains (33-100 mm; 114-172% of normal) for the winter crop season. Unseasonable heavy rains (76-250 mm; 138-309% of normal) pounded Southeast South Africa, where the Highlands received extremely heavy snowfall causing many deaths and loss of property. Moderate to heavy rains (59-321 mm; 95-404% of normal) were also observed along coastal southern Mozambique and northeastern Madagascar. Elsewhere, seasonable dryness prevailed. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average over north central South Africa, southern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. They were near normal elsewhere. >
  • July 21-31 2002 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across the region. The exceptions were southwestern South Africa, where mid-latitude disturbances generated light to moderate rains (3-50 mm; 87-339% of normal). Moderate to heavy rains (11-134 mm; 82-206% of normal) also fell along the northeastern coast of Madagascar. Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal across the region, except over southwestern South Africa and over northern Zambia, where they were 1 to 3 degrees C below normal.
  • July 11-20 2002 - Flooding rains and mountain snows hit southern and southeastern areas of South Africa on July 17-20, with precipitation amounts exceeding 180 mm locally on the Kwazulu-Natal coast. In addition, heavy snows hit parts of Lesotho. Ten-day precipitation amounts in South Africa generally ranged from 100 to 150 mm along the southeastern coast and a short distance inland. These totals were 500 to 1000% of normal. Unseasonable rains also fell over southwestern South Africa (5-80 mm; 200-900% of normal). Scattered totals of 40 to 75 mm in southern Mozambique exceeded 400% of normal. Seasonal dryness prevailed elsewhere. Temperatures were decidedly on the cool side region-wide, as readings averaged 2 to 4 degrees C below normal across South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
  • July 1-10 2002 - Showers (1-22 mm; 7-140% of normal) favored winter wheat across Western Cape province in South Africa. Showers (1-24 mm; 15-171% of normal) dampened topsoils along the Mozambique coast. Moderate-to-heavy rains (16-171 mm; 23-217% of normal) fell along the east coast of Madagascar. Elsewhere in southern Africa, conditions were seasonably dry. Cooler than normal conditions prevailed across Zimbabwe, eastern Zambia and Malawi where minimum temperatures of 4 to 12 degrees C resulted in average temperatures of 1 to 6 degrees C below normal. Across Botswana, Namibia and western South Africa, temperatures averaged 3 degrees C below to 3 degrees C above normal.
  • June 2002 - Beneficial showers (28-85 mm; 67-136% of normal) boosted moisture for winter grains across Western Cape province in South Africa. Occasional showers (5-53 mm; 86-155% of normal) prevailed across KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces. Isolated light showers dampened topsoils across parts of the Maize Triangle. Showers (1-19 mm; 136-243% of normal) fell across southern Zimbabwe. Otherwise, conditions were seasonably dry. Temperatures were unseasonably cool across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana where averaged temperatures were 1 to 5 degrees C below normal. Temperatures were 1 to 2 degrees C below normal across South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. Near normal temperatures were observed across Namibia, Mozambique and Madagascar.
  • June 21-30 2002 - Showers (5-42 mm; 77-400% of normal) increased moisture for winter wheat across Western Cape province in South Africa. Light showers (1-29 mm; 10-140% of normal) fell along the Mozambique coast. Seasonably dry conditions prevailed elsewhere across southern Africa. Moderate rains (5-98 mm; 21-141% of normal) fell along the east coast of Madagascar. Seasonably dry conditions were observed elsewhere on the island. Temperatures were cooler than normal across most of southern Africa and Madagascar. Temperatures averaged 2 to 6 degrees C below normal across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Swaziland and Lesotho. Temperatures were 1 to 3 degrees C below normal across South Africa and Madagascar. Temperatures were 0 to 2 degrees C below normal across eastern Namibia and Mozambique. The only area where temperatures were not cooler than normal was western Namibia, where temperatures were 0 to 2 degrees above normal.
  • June 11-20 2002 - Unseasonably heavy showers swept across South Africa as scattered heavy showers hit coastal Mozambique. Seasonal dryness persisted elsewhere. Less than 5 mm of rain fell across most of the region, but western and south-central South Africa and coastal Mozambique saw moderate rains (13-64 mm; 121-598% of normal). Light to moderate rains (5-71 mm, 16-159% of normal) also fell along portions of the east coast of Madagascar, while seasonable dryness prevailed to the south and the west. Seasonable dryness covered Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Angola. Temperatures were 1 to 4 degrees C below average in Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Zambia, northern Namibia and Botswana. They reached up to 2 degrees above average elsewhere.
  • June 1-10 2002 - Seasonal dryness returned to most of the region. Less than 5 mm of rain fell across the region, except on the southwest coast of South Africa and coastal Mozambique, where moderate rains (12-43 mm; 158-280% of average) fell. Moderate to heavy rains (14-223 mm; 58-271% of normal) also fell along portions of the east coast of Madagascar, while seasonable dryness prevailed to the south and the west. Seasonable dryness covered Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and much Angola. Southern Zimbabwe accumulated 10 to 20 mm of rain, a little above normal for this time of the year. Temperatures were 1 to 4 degrees C below average over the region except in southern Namibia, where they reached 2 degrees above average.
  • May 2002 - Unseasonably heavy rains (20-133 mm; 194-300% of normal) fell over much South Africa and Lesotho, while the remainder of the region was seasonably dry. Cyclone Kiseny brought torrential rains and flooding to northern Madagascar during May 9-11. On the east coast, three-day rainfall at Toamasina totaled 794 mm, with monthly rainfall 1196 mm. Seasonable dryness covered southern Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana and Angola. Negligible rains fell over Zimbabwe, including eastern areas, where around 12-20 mm is the norm.
  • May 21-31 2002 - Much of South Africa and Lesotho experienced well above normal rains (21-86 mm; 290 to over 1000% of normal). Severe weather hit parts of central South Africa. Light rains (1-11 mm; 3-197%) fell over pockets of coastal and western Mozambique. Moderate to heavy rains (30-120 mm; 36-139% of normal) also fell along portions of the east coast of Madagascar, while seasonable dryness prevailed to the south and the west. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonable dryness across Zimbabwe, Zambia, northern Namibia and Angola. Temperatures were 1 to 4 degrees C above average over northern Namibia, Botswana, Angola, parts of Zambia, Mozambique and northern South Africa. They averaged 1 to 4 degrees C below normal over the remainder of the region.
  • May 11-20 2002 - Seasonably dry weather prevailed across the region although light rains (6-20 mm) fell over pockets of coastal Mozambique and eastern Zimbabwe. Heavy rains (75-215 mm; 93-843% of normal) were also observed along portions of the east coast of Madagascar, while seasonable dryness prevailed to the south. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated seasonable dryness across Namibia and Angola. Temperatures were generally 1 to 5 degrees C below average across the region, except over western South Africa and Namibia, where they were above average.
  • May 1-10 2002 - Seasonably dry weather prevailed across the region although light rains (6-20 mm) fell over pockets of eastern South Africa. Light to moderate rains (13-49 mm; 130-316% of normal) were also observed along the southern coast of South Africa. In contrast, heavy rains (81-496 mm; 122-645% of normal) pounded the east coast of Madagascar, while the west coast was dry. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dry weather over Angola, except in the northwest, where the rainfall estimates were in the range between 25 and 75 mm. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average across the region.
  • April 2002 - Abnormally heavy rains (25-100 mm; 200-450% of normal) eased drought in Zimbabwe and southern Zambia, but lighter rains (5-30 mm; 50-130% of normal) offered less improvement for Botswana, southern Mozambique, and northern South Africa. Seasonable dryness covered southern Mozambique, northeastern Zambia and southern Angola. Heavy rains (100-497 mm; 99-188% of normal) fell along the eastern and northern coasts of Madagascar, while totals reached 137 mm over coastal Mozambique. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (up to 300 mm) across northern Angola and light to moderate rains over Malawi.
  • April 21-30 2002 - Little or no rain (0-5 mm) fell across most of the region. The exceptions were eastern Mozambique and the northwestern and eastern coasts of Madagascar, where rainfall amounts ranged between 33 and 132 mm (89-132% of normal). Above-normal rains (10-50 mm, 200-718% of normal) fell over southwestern South Africa and southwestern Namibia. Also, heavy rains (50-300 mm), as estimated by satellite, hit northwestern Angola. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average over Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi, but averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above average across southern South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola.
  • April 11-20 2002 - The rains continued their seasonal retreat as light rains (1-21 mm; 2-91% of normal) were once again observed across the region. However, moderate to heavy rains (17-142 mm; 94-515% of normal) fell along the coast of Kwazulu/Natal and over the northeastern provinces of South Africa, including Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Northern Transvaal coast of South Africa, Moderate to heavy rains (28-142 mm; 133-472% of normal) also were observed over central and northern Zimbabwe, alleviating the long term dryness that prevailed over much of the rainy season. Moderate to heavy rains (32-184 mm; 213-297% of normal) fell over central and southeastern Madagascar. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonable dryness across Namibia, Botswana, and southern Angola. Rainfall estimates were moderate to heavy over northern Angola and western Zambia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average across the region, except southwestern South Africa, and southern Namibia, where they were 1 to 4 degrees C above average.
  • April 1-10 2002 - The rainy season has started to wind down as a result of a steadily northward progression of the ITCZ. Light rains (1-23 mm; 2-82% of normal) fell across the region. The exceptions were the eastern coast of Madagascar and some areas along the northern coast of Mozambique, where rainfall totals ranged between 87 mm and 249 mm (110-235% of normal). Moderate, but unseasonable rains (36-68 mm; 137-268% of normal) were also observed over portions of the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (50-200 mm) over northern Angola and drier conditions to the south. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average across the region, except northern South Africa, Botswana, and southern Namibia, where they were 1 to 4 degrees C above average.
  • March 2002 - Dry conditions persisted across the region. The areas most severely affected included the maize triangle region of South Africa, southern and central Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Rainfall totals in this region were in general 30 to 60 mm below average. However sizable rainfall amounts (153-298 mm; 105-167% of normal) brought some relief to the region. Heavy rains (182-522 mm; 92-184% of normal) also were observed along the eastern and northern coasts of Madagascar. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains across Angola, northeastern Zambia, and Malawi.
  • March 21-31 2002 - Light rains (1-25 mm; 2-69% of normal) fell across the region. The exceptions were northern Mozambique and pockets over northern Zimbabwe, northeast South Africa, and along the east and northwestern coasts of Madagascar, where rainfall amounts ranged between 30 and 323 mm (95-279% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates indicated extremely heavy rains (100-200 mm) along the coast of Angola, and moderate rains (50-100 mm) to the east. Lighter rains were estimated for Namibia and western Zambia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below average over northern Mozambique, southern Tanzania, eastern and central Zambia, and Malawi. They were about 2 degrees C above average across central Namibia.
  • March 11-20 2002 - Near-normal rainfall (10-35 mm) brought limited drought relief to extreme northeastern and central Zimbabwe, and southern Zambia. However, little or no rain fell over the dry areas of interior Mozambique and northern and eastern Botswana. Rainfall amounts generally ranged from 1 to 22 mm (1-83% of normal) across South Africa, Swaziland, southern Namibia, Botswana and southern and central Mozambique northwestward into Malawi and southern Zambia. Heavier amounts (34-209 mm; 113-231% of normal) hit northern Mozambique and the central coast, extreme northeastern and central Zimbabwe, southwestern and northern Madagascar and pockets of southeastern South Africa. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate rains (25-75 mm) over northern Namibia and Angola. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below average over the central maize triangle of South Africa, Swaziland, eastern Zimbabwe, Zambia and northern Malawi, while readings were 1 to 2 degrees C above normal over the remainder of South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Angola, western Madagascar, western Zimbabwe and Botswana.
  • March 1-10 2002 - Below normal rainfall persisted over the region, except for northern Mozambique, northern and eastern Madagascar, much of Angola, maize triangle of South Africa and Namibia, where amounts ranged between 82 and 469 mm (115 to 489% of normal). Light to moderate rains (11-63 mm, 60-179% of normal) fell in much of South Africa, pockets of Botswana, southern Namibia, northern Zimbabwe, pockets of Zambia, Lesotho, and Swaziland, providing spotty dryness relief. However, much of this area experienced less than 50% of normal, continuing the dry pattern that began in early January. Drought continued to affect a large portion of the main maize growing area in Zimbabwe, where rains were needed for crop growth. Abnormal dryness also persisted in southern Mozambique, southern Zambia, eastern Botswana, and northern South Africa. Cyclone Hary, taking a southward track, struck the immediate northeast coast of Madagascar on March 10, packing winds of 135 knots. Though a powerful storm, Hary was relatively small, and high winds and heavy rains were mainly confined to the east coast. Temperatures were generally 1 to 5 degrees C below average over the maize triangle of South Africa, Madagascar, eastern Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and southeastern Namibia, while readings were 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over much of South Africa, Mozambique, northern and western Namibia, Angola, western Zimbabwe and much of Botswana.
  • February 2002 - Generally normal to above normal rains fell over northern portions of the region as well as South Africa’s maize triangle, Lesotho, and Swaziland, but rainfall was persistently below normal over southern Mozambique, southern Zimbabwe, eastern and southern Botswana, and southern Namibia. The heaviest rains (175-994 mm, 110-179% of normal) hit Madagascar, northern Mozambique, northern Zambia, much of Angola and northern part of Namibia. Dryness persisted over southern Mozambique, southern Zimbabwe, and northern part of South Africa. Amounts also totaled less than 50% of normal over the eastern third of Botswana, portions of northern South Africa and the central interior of Namibia. Satellite estimates indicated that most of Angola recorded seasonably heavy rains, with totals exceeding 300 mm in parts of the eastern half. Temperatures generally ranged from 1 to 4 degrees C below average over Zambia, much of Zimbabwe, southern Madagascar, and the maize triangle region of South Africa, while the rest of the region readings were near normal.
  • February 21-28 2002 - Below normal rainfall persisted over the region, except for northern Mozambique, much of central Madagascar, and southeastern Namibia, where amounts ranged between (84-126 mm; 100 to 263% of normal). Isolated moderate to heavy rains (39-62 mm; 204-273% of normal) also were observed locally over parts of the Free State Province of South Africa. Elsewhere, rainfall was rather light (2-22 mm; 8-50% of normal) over much of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, northern Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Swaziland, providing spotty dryness relief. However, the dry pattern that began in early January continued over much of this area. In particular00, drought continued to affect a large portion of the main maize growing area in Zimbabwe. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated that abnormal dryness persisted in southern Mozambique, southern Zambia, much of Botswana, and southeastern Angola. However, rainfall estimates ranged between 25 and 150 mm from northwestern Namibia to southwestern and northern Angola, as well as extreme northern Zambia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average over eastern South Africa, Madagascar, northern Mozambique, Malawi, much of Zambia, and Zimbabwe, while readings were 1 to 5 degrees C above normal over western South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola.
  • February 11-20 2002 - Below-normal rainfall persisted over the region, except for northeastern Mozambique, Malawi, eastern Botswana, eastern Angola and central and northeastern Namibia, where amounts ranged between 109 and 125 mm (166-246% of normal). Heavy rains (86-530 mm; 122-376% of normal) also pounded local areas in northern Madagascar. Moderate rainfall amounts (20-59 mm; 80-250% of normal) fell over the maize triangle of South Africa. Light to moderate rains (11-90 mm; 25-108% of normal) also fell in western and northern parts of Zimbabwe, much of Botswana, central Mozambique, northeastern Namibia and northern South Africa, providing spotty dryness relief. However, much of this area experienced less than 50% of normal, continuing the dry pattern that began in early January. Drought has affected a large portion of the main maize growing area in Zimbabwe, where rains were very much needed for crop growth. Abnormal dryness also continued in southern Mozambique, southern Zambia, and portions of northern South Africa and eastern Botswana. Cyclone Guillaume passed to the east of Mauritius on February 19, causing little damage. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average over the region, except in Mozambique, western Namibia and central Zimbabwe, where readings were near average to 3 degrees C above average.
  • February 1-10 2002 - Rainfall was generally below normal, except in a few locations, including northern Mozambique, where rainfall amounts ranged between 98 and 176 mm (130-230% of normal). Heavy rains (95-347 mm; 171-248% of normal) also pounded local areas in southern and eastern Madagascar, northern Zimbabwe, and southern Zambia. Moderate to abundant rainfall amounts (23-58 mm; 73-146 % of normal) also fell over the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Light to moderate rains (10-68 mm; 20-98% of normal) dampened western and southern parts of Zimbabwe, eastern Botswana, southern Mozambique, northern South Africa, and portions of southern Zambia, providing spotty dryness relief. However, much of this area recorded less than 50% of normal, continuing the dry pattern that began in early January. The dryness has hit a large portion of the main maize growing area in Zimbabwe during the crop’s critical stage of growth. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (50-200 mm) over Angola, western Zambia, and southern Malawi. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average over the region, except in Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana, where readings were near average to 2 degrees C above average.
  • January 2002 - Generally normal to above normal rains fell over northern portions of the region as well as South Africa’s maize triangle, Lesotho, and Swaziland, but rainfall was persistently below normal over southern Mozambique, eastern Botswana, much of Zimbabwe, southern Zambia and parts of Namibia. The heaviest rains (160-561 mm, 120-195% of normal) hit northern Mozambique, northern Zambia, and central and eastern South Africa. Satellite estimates also indicated heavy rains (200-300 mm) over southeastern Angola. Comoro Islands recorded up to 561 mm of rainfall, with over 400 mm in northwestern Madagascar. More than 300 mm fell in northern Mozambique and parts of southern Malawi. Following heavy rains from Cyclone Cyprien early in the month, most of Madagascar recorded below-normal rainfall, with east coast locations reporting as little as 16% of normal for the month. Tropical Cyclone Dina brought extremely heavy rains to Reunion and Mauritius during January 22-23, and Cyprien contributed to enhanced rainfall over northern Mozambique and Madagascar at the start of the month. Monthly rainfall totaled less than 50% of normal in southern Zambia and across all but extreme northern Zimbabwe, and totals generally fell under 25% of normal in central and southern Zimbabwe. The dryness extended across Mozambique from south of the Zambezi River to just north of Maputo. Amounts also totaled less than 50% of normal over the eastern third of Botswana, portions of northern South Africa and the central interior of Namibia. Satellite estimates indicated that most of Angola recorded seasonably heavy rains, with totals exceeding 300 mm in parts of the southeast. Temperatures generally ranged from 1 to 3 degrees C below average, except near or slightly above normal in northern Botswana, Mozambique, northern South Africa and northern Madagascar.
  • January 21-31 2002 - Abundant rains (62-188 mm, 125 to 765% of normal) fell in eastern and central South Africa, northern Mozambique, northern Zambia, Malawi, western Botswana, and northwestern Madagascar, while light rains (0-10 mm, 0 to 58% of normal) covered western areas of Namibia and South Africa. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated heavy rains (100-200 mm) in southeastern Angola and below-normal rains (0-10 mm) in northwestern and southwestern Angola. Scattered showers provided spotty dryness relief in southern parts of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, as well as eastern Botswana, but most of this area recorded less than 50% of normal, continuing the dry pattern that began in early January. Below-normal rainfall (0-50 mm, 0-50% of normal) continued in eastern, southern, and western Madagascar. Moderate rains (10-61 mm, 47-116% of normal) fell over northern Zimbabwe, large areas of South Africa’s maize triangle, southern Zambia, northeastern Namibia and central Mozambique, but parts of southern Zambia and northern Zimbabwe recorded under 25 mm, which is well under 50% of normal. Over 200 mm fell locally in northern Mozambique. A powerful tropical cyclone, Dina, passed to the north of Mauritius and La Reunion on January 22-23, bringing damaging winds and torrential rainfalls, with amounts averaging 400 mm in Mauritius and reaching a phenomenal 1200 mm at one location in Reunion. Temperatures this period were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below average over the region, except in Mozambique, the eastern coast of South Africa, northern Madagascar and Swaziland, with readings near average to 2 degrees C above average.
  • January 11-20 2002 - Abundant rains (75-200 mm, 100 to 200% of normal) fell from Angola through northern Zambia to Malawi and northern Mozambique, while light rains (0-10 mm, 0 to 40% of normal) covered southern Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, central and eastern Botswana, southern and western Namibia, and parts of South Africa’s summer crop areas. Rainfall so far in January has been under 50% of normal from southern Zimbabwe into southern Mozambique and over portions of Botswana and South Africa, but the ample rains experienced during December have mitigated the impacts from this month’s dryness. Moderate to heavy rains (11-189 mm, 51-122% of normal) fell over Madagascar. Moderate rains (10-50 mm, 60-100% of normal) fell over northern Zimbabwe, sections of South Africa’s maize triangle, southern Zambia, Lesotho, Swaziland, northern Botswana, northern Namibia, and central Mozambique. Heavy rains (130-200 mm, 130-250% of normal) fell in northern Zambia’s upper Zambezi River Basin, southern Malawi and adjacent areas of northern Mozambique. A powerful tropical cyclone, Dina, approached Mauritius and La Reunion at the end of the period. Information on the storm will be included in the next period’s summary. Temperatures this period were generally 1 to 5 degrees C below average over the region, except in Swaziland, Mozambique, and the eastern coast of South Africa, with readings near average to 3 degrees C above average.
  • January 1-10 2002 - Beneficially drier weather, with rainfall under 50% of normal, spread across Zimbabwe and southern Mozambique, while Cyclone Cyprien brought heavy rains to Madagascar during January 1-4. For the 10-day period, moderate to heavy rains (23-232 mm, 50-860% of normal) fell over Madagascar, with the highest totals (over 200 mm) near the northwest and southern coasts. Two-week accumulations totaled 491 mm at Faradofay on the southern coast. Although Cyprien produced prolific rainfall, the storm was not especially intense, with estimated peak winds near landfall at the southwest coast on January 1 of 50 knots. The storm dissipated over southern Madagascar during January 2-4. Spotty heavy rains (up to 100 mm) fell in northern Mozambique, but abnormally dry weather (0-15 mm, 0-50% of normal) covered southern Zambia, Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, southwestern Angola, Namibia and pockets of South Africa and Botswana. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 10 to 100 mm over Angola, but below-normal rains have persisted for most of the season over southwestern Angola and much of Namibia. Rainfall has been under 50% of normal in the past 4 weeks at scattered locations in northeastern South Africa and western and eastern Botswana as well as most of Namibia outside of the northeast. Temperatures were generally near average to 4 degrees C below average over the region, except in northern Botswana, southeastern Angola and northern Mozambique, where readings averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above average.
  • December 2001 - Generally normal to above normal rains fell. The heaviest rains (150-300 mm; 120-300% of normal) hit Zimbabwe, central and northeast South Africa, central and southern Mozambique, northern and eastern Zambia and southern and central Madagascar. Over 300 mm fell in southern and central Madagascar, mostly during the last 5 days of the month. The island had been unseasonably dry until the rains from the late-month tropical disturbance struck. Up to 300 mm also inundated southern Mozambique in the Inhambane area, triggering floods. Monthly amounts totaled generally less than 50% of normal in Namibia and southwestern Angola. Northeast Mozambique remained unseasonably dry, with less than 50% of normal in some areas, as did northern Madagascar. Temperatures generally were near to 2 degrees C above average over the region.
  • December 21-31 2001 - Abundant rains fell across much of the region except over Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, western South Africa, Swaziland and Namibia. Moderate to heavy rains (11-280 mm; 60-370% of normal) extended across eastern Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the bulk of Madagascar. The tropical disturbance that developed in the Mozambique Channel and later became Cyclone Cyprien contributed heavy rains to the central and southern coast of Mozambique and central and southern Madagascar late in the period. The 200 to 250 mm totals in central Madagascar fell in an area that had been unusually dry until recently. Along the south coast of the island, up to 317 mm fell, mostly during the last 3 days of the month. Light to moderate rains (5-70 mm; 80-380% of normal) fell in Swaziland and central parts of South Africa. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 25 to 100 mm in northern and northeastern Angola, but abnormally dry weather covered southern Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and western Zambia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average and locally up to 3 degrees C below average.
  • December 11-20 2001 - Abundant rains fell across much of the region except over southern Botswana, extreme northern Mozambique, western South Africa, parts of Namibia and the bulk of Madagascar. Moderate to heavy rainfall (11-180 mm; 50-390% of normal) extended across Zimbabwe, Zambia, the eastern half of South Africa, central Madagascar and central Mozambique. Moderate rains (10-40 mm; 87-390% of normal) fell over most of northern Namibia and northern and southern Botswana. Estimated rain totals reached 100 mm in southern Mozambique near Inhambane, where flooding was reported. Most of this total fell around December 11, and rainfall diminished thereafter. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 25 to 150 mm in much of Angola. Malawi picked up from 25 to 75 mm, compared to 10 mm or less during the previous period. The wet pattern over southern Africa has continued since October, and rainfall amounts for the past 4 weeks have been more than twice normal from southern Zimbabwe southward through South Africa. In contrast, the seasonal rains have been slow to start over northern Mozambique and parts of Madagascar and northern Malawi. Four-week rainfall totals have been under one-half of normal in northern Mozambique and eastern Madagascar, but rains increased during this period. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above average across Mozambique, northern Zimbabwe and coastal portions of South Africa. They generally averaged 1 to 3 degrees C below average over Namibia, Zambia, southern Zimbabwe, Madagascar, eastern Angola and central parts of South Africa.
  • December 1-10 2001 - Abundant rains fell across much of the region except over northeastern Zambia, northern Mozambique, western parts of South Africa, the southwestern half of Namibia and western Madagascar. Moderate to heavy rainfall (14-145 mm; 70-320% of normal) extended across Zimbabwe, southeastern of Zambia, Swaziland, the bulk of South Africa, central Madagascar and parts of southern Mozambique. Moderate rains (10-40 mm; 87-390% of normal) fell over most of southern Mozambique, northern and southern Namibia and northern and southern Botswana. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 25 to 150 mm in much of Angola. The wet pattern over southern Africa has continued since October, and rainfall amounts for the past 4 weeks have been more than twice normal from southern Zimbabwe southward through South Africa. In contrast, the seasonal rains have been slow to start over northern Mozambique and parts of Madagascar and northern Malawi. Four-week rainfall totals have been under one-half of normal in northern Mozambique. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above average across Mozambique, northern Zimbabwe and coastal portions of South Africa. They generally averaged 1 to 3 degrees C below average over Namibia, Zambia, southern Zimbabwe, Madagascar, eastern Angola and central parts of South Africa.
  • November 2001 - Generally normal to above-normal rain fell, with moderate to heavy rains extending from central Botswana southward through northern South Africa and Swaziland to the east coast of South Africa, as well as the region south of Lesotho. Normal to above-normal rains fell in central and eastern parts of Angola, much of western Zambia, and west-central Madagascar, while much of the remainder of Madagascar saw precipitation totals generally less than normal. Rainfall totaled less than 50% of normal in northern Mozambique and northern Malawi, but precipitation in the southern half of Mozambique was near to above normal. The region surrounding Maputo received copious amounts of precipitation during the month as the rainy season began to take hold throughout much of the area. Temperatures averaged near normal in southern Africa.
  • November 21-30 2001 - Abundant rains fell across much of the region except eastern Zambia, northern Mozambique, western South Africa, and the southwestern half of Namibia, where conditions were dry. Abnormal wetness has persisted over South Africa since October. Moderate to heavy rains hit western Zambia, much of Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the eastern half of South Africa, where rainfall amounts ranged between 15 and 133 mm (93-298% of normal). Moderate rains (15-35 mm; 93-165% of normal) fell over the central parts of Madagascar’s west coast, but eastern and southern regions were dry. Moderate to heavy rains (35-96 mm; 97-393% of normal) fell in northeastern Namibia, while satellite rainfall estimates indicated 25 to 150 mm in much of Angola. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal across South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Readings averaged generally 1 to 3 degrees C below normal over Zimbabwe, Zambia and eastern Angola.
  • November 11-20 2001 - Abundant rains fell across much of the region. Rainfall amounts ranged between 35 and 230 mm (94-847% of normal) across much of the region. The heaviest amounts were observed over southern Zimbabwe and southern Mozambique as a result of several cloud bands that moved across the region. Moderate to heavy rains (35-114 mm; 178-234% of normal) were also observed over the northeastern coast of Madagascar. However, dry conditions prevailed across much of eastern and central Madagascar, northern Mozambique, and much of Namibia. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dryness along the coast of Angola and to the south, and wetness in the central and northern parts. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees Celsius above average across much of South Africa and Mozambique. They were generally 1 to 2 degrees Celsius below average over Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Madagascar.
  • November 1-10 2001 - Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate rains over northern and western Zambia, southern Zimbabwe, central and northeastern Angola, Lesotho, southeastern coast of South Africa, most of Botswana, western Madagascar and pockets in Mozambique. Satellite precipitation estimates indicated some light rains over Malawi, northeastern Namibia and parts of western South Africa. Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal over Zimbabwe and the coast of Mozambique while they averaged near normal elsewhere across the sub-region.
  • October 2001 - Abnormally wet weather, with moderate to heavy rains (113-260 mm; 133-400% of normal), extended from western and southern Botswana southward through central South Africa and Lesotho to the east coast of South Africa. Northwestern Madagascar also recorded amounts more than twice normal. Light to moderate rains fell over the rest of Madagascar, northern Zambia, and central Zimbabwe, and most of Botswana. Rainfall totaled less than 50% of normal across much of Mozambique and southern Malawi, signaling a somewhat slow start to the summer rainy season. Temperatures averaged near normal except for southern parts of South Africa, where they averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal.
  • October 21-31 2001 - Moderate rains (10-45 mm; 67-336% of normal) fell over northern and western Zambia. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (100-150 mm) over northern and eastern Angola but below-normal rains over interior southwestern Angola. Moderate rains (11-162 mm; 39-293% of normal) fell over northern Botswana, but well above-normal rainfall (50-200 mm; 250-900% of normal) extended from southern Botswana south through South Africa’s maize triangle to Lesotho and the coast. Satellite precipitation estimates indicated seasonable dryness over Namibia, southern and coastal areas of Angola and parts of western South Africa, but dry weather across most of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and eastern Zambia. Temperatures averaged near normal across the region.
  • October 11-20 2001 - Anseasonable moderate rains (12-35 mm; 191-461% of normal) fell over Zimbabwe. Moderate to heavy rains (11-97 mm; 84-387% of normal) were also observed over northeastern South Africa. Elsewhere, locally moderate rains were observed over central and western Zambia, northeastern and northwestern Mozambique, northern and southeastern Madagascar. Seasonable dryness prevailed across much Namibia and Botswana. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dryness over southern Angola and light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) to the north. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees Celsius above average across much of the region, except Zambia, northern Mozambique, and Madagascar, where they were about 1 to 3 degrees Celsius below average.
  • October 1-10 2001 - Drier conditions continued in South Africa and Lesotho; however, northern parts were wetter compared to the previous 10 days. Moderate rain (11-23 mm; 219-306% of normal.) fell over central and southern Madagascar and some pockets in central Botswana. Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal over South Africa and Namibia, while over southern Zambia, they averaged 2 to 4 degrees C below normal.
  • September 2001 - Unseasonably heavy precipitation hit Cape Province and central and eastern South Africa (100 to 800% of normal) as well as Lesotho. Monthly amounts were generally below normal over the east coasts of Madagascar and Mozambique (5 to 108% of normal) except for some areas in central and southern Mozambique where monthly amounts reached 181% of normal. Satellite estimates indicated pockets of above-normal rainfall in central and northern Angola. Temperatures averaged near normal across the region except around 2 degrees C below normal in Angola.
  • September 21-30 2001 - Drier conditions prevailed in South Africa and Lesotho following earlier heavy rains. Only light showers fell over the extreme southern coast of South Africa.
  • September 11-20 2001 - Moderate and locally heavy unseasonable rains (14-198 mm; 98-960% of normal) struck central and eastern South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Light showers extended over eastern Namibia, southern Botswana and southern Mozambique.
  • September 1-10 2001 - Unseasonably heavy showers (160 to 360% of normal) persisted near the coast of western South Africa, but amounts were less than during the preceding period. Seasonable dryness prevailed across the rest of the region.
  • August 2001 - Unseasonably heavy precipitation hit Cape Province and east-central South Africa (150 to 250% of normal) as well as Lesotho. Monthly amounts were generally below normal over the east coasts of Madagascar and Mozambique (10 to 124% of normal).
  • August 21-31 2001 - Fast, eastward-moving troughs brought unseasonably heavy showers (204 to 591% of normal) to Cape Town and the Free State south through Lesotho to the coast. The second consecutive week of abnormal rains contributed to flooding in Cape Town. Seasonable dryness prevailed across the rest of the region.
  • August 11-20 2001 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across much of the region except over southern Madagascar and southwestern South Africa, where light to moderate rains (194-500% of normal) fell.
  • August 1-10 2001 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across much of the region, except along the northwest and east coast of Madagascar, where rain gauge measurements ranged between 28 and 61 mm (99 - 688% of normal). Seasonable light to moderate rains fell along the southern coast of South Africa. Temperatures were generally 2 to 6 degrees C above average across much of South Africa and Namibia, while they were 1 to 3 degrees C below average across much Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
  • July 2001 - Seasonably dry weather prevailed in Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, central and northern South Africa and western Madagascar. Light to moderate rains (1-69 mm, 17-219% of normal) fell in western South Africa, along the Mozambique coast, the western coast of Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. Heavy to very heavy rains (186-513 mm, 110-323% of normal) fell along the eastern coast of Madagascar. Temperatures averaged near normal except for 2 to 4 degrees C above normal along the coastal areas of Namibia and the northwestern coast of South Africa.
  • July 21-31 2001 - Seasonably dry weather prevailed in most places. However, light to moderate rains (1-89 mm, 18-458% of normal) fell in the coastal areas of South Africa, Mozambique, eastern and northern coasts of Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. The extreme northeastern coast of Madagascar reported heavy rains (111-120 mm, 126-189% of normal). Temperatures averaged 2 to 5 degrees C higher than normal over central Namibia and 2 to 3 degrees C lower than normal in northwestern Namibia, southern Zimbabwe, coastal areas of South Africa and northeastern Mozambique. Temperatures were near normal elsewhere.
  • July 11-20 2001 - Unseasonable rains (20-75 mm; 200-700% of normal) again fell over southwestern South Africa.
  • July 1-10 2001 - Unseasonably heavy rains (10-163 mm; 400-1000% of normal) fell over southwestern South Africa.
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