vf-tropicom Meteorological Analysis for South Africa

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Seasonal Vegetation Index - 2004/2005

Seasonal vegetative index


Seasonal Rainfall - 2004/2005
in mm

Seasonal rainfall


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Preliminary Monthly Weather Analysis
Southern Africa - 2004/2005

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

  • July 2005 - Seasonably dry conditions prevailed, although amounts in the winter crop areas of Cape Province tended to be below normal (1-30 mm, 2-75 percent of normal). Temperatures averaged around 2 degrees C above normal in Namibia and western South Africa. >
  • July 21-31 2005 - Seasonably dry weather extended across the region. Temperatures averaged around 2 to 4 degrees C above normal over interior South Africa and Namibia.
  • July 11-20 2005 - Heavy rains hit western Cape areas, as reported amounts reached as high as 87 mm east of Capetown. Rainfall was negligible over most other parts of the region, as is typical for this time of the year. Temperatures averaged 2 to 5 degrees C above normal in Namibia and western South Africa.
  • July 1-10 2005 - Seasonably dry weather dominated the region, although scattered heavy showers (40-70 mm) peppered the coast of Mozambique. Cool weather covered northern areas, as Zimbabwe and Botswana saw readings average 2 to 4 degrees C below normal. In contrast, South Africa’s Cape Province and southern Namibia observed temperatures averaging 2 to 5 degrees C above normal.
  • June 2005 - Rainfall was normal to much above normal across Western Cape in South Africa (22-251 mm; 75-509% of normal). Heavy rain fell along parts of KwaZulu-Natal’s coast (49-197 mm; 223-245% of normal). Scattered showers fell over Northern Cape, South Africa and Mozambique (0-68 mm; 0-302% of normal). Seasonably dry conditions prevailed over Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Below normal to much above normal rainfall occurred along Madagascar’s eastern coast (47-478 mm; 51-182% of normal). Across the island’s interior, seasonably dry conditions prevailed. Temperatures averaged 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal for the month of June across Namibia and western Botswana. Temperatures were near normal over the rest of southern Africa and Madagascar.
  • June 21-30 2005 - A series of cold frontal passages generated showers across South Africa’s Western Cape Province (3-44 mm; 25-173% of normal). These fronts resulted in showers across coastal Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal (1-42 mm; 39-543% of normal). Heavy rain fell at Richard’s Bay along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, where 195 mm of was reported (649% of normal). Showers fell over the arid Northern Cape Province as well (1-26 mm; 500-1000% of normal). Scattered showers were observed in Mozambique (0-39 mm; 0-1000% of normal), with seasonably dry conditions across Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal over South Africa’s Maize Triangle and 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal across Namibia. Temperatures were within 2 degrees Celsius of normal over western South Africa, Botswana, Malawi and Mozambique. In Madagascar, showers fell along the eastern coast (12-85 mm; 24-145% of normal). Heavy rain fell in the coastal city of Toamasina, where 270 mm was reported (300% of normal). Seasonably dry conditions and near normal temperatures were reported over the rest of the island.
  • June 11-20 2005 - Showers continued across Western Cape (6-76 mm; 52-502% of normal). Light showers were reported over Eastern Cape, South Africa (1-10 mm; 13-294% of normal). Rain fell along the east coast of Madagascar (26-121 mm; 53-138% of normal). Otherwise, conditions were dry across the region. Temperatures averaged 3 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal across northern Namibia and western Botswana. Temperatures averaged 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal over northeastern South Africa and southern Zimbabwe, and 1 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal across northeastern Zimbabwe.
  • June 1-10 2005 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across most of the region, except along the east coast of Madagascar, where rainfall amounts ranged between 1 and 87 mm (18-140% of normal). Winter weather systems also brought light to moderate rains (1-74 mm; 33-403% of normal) across the Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal across northeastern South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. They were 2 to 3 degrees C below normal across most of Zimbabwe and the Western Cape provinces of South Africa.
  • May 2005 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across most of the region. The exceptions were the east coast of Madagascar, the central coast and interior Mozambique, where rainfall amounts ranged between 34 and 594 mm (100-253% of normal). Moderate rains (15-53 mm; 86-171% of normal) also fell over portions of the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. Light rains prevailed over the Western Cape provinces of South Africa.
  • May 21-31 2005 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across most of the region, except locally moderate to heavy rains (75-89 mm; 106-114% of normal) along the central east coast of Madagascar. Unseasonably moderate to heavy rains (34-125 mm; 164-613% of normal) also fell along the central coast of Mozambique. Elsewhere, spotty light rains fell over the Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average across the region.
  • May 11-20 2005 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across most of the region. However, spotty unseasonably moderate to heavy rains (20-99 mm) fell over portions of central Mozambique and along the northern coast. The rains were unusually heavy and ranged between 72 and 311 mm (117-480% of normal) over most areas along the east coast. Light to moderate rains (1-19 mm) persisted over portions of the Kwazulu/Natal, and Free State provinces of South Africa. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across most areas, except over Zimbabwe, where they were 1 to 2 degrees C below normal.
  • May 1-10 2005 - As the rainy season ended, seasonable dryness prevailed across the region. However, spotty light rains (1-12 mm) fell over portions of the Maize Triangle in South Africa. Mid-latitude disturbances also brought light to moderate rains (3-22 mm) to the Western Cape provinces. Elsewhere, moderate to heavy rains (65-195 mm; 80-254% of normal) fell along the central east coast of Madagascar. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across South Africa and Botswana. They were 1 to 3 degrees C below normal over Zimbabwe and Madagascar.
  • April 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (34-110 mm; 94-292% of normal) fell across the southern areas of southern Africa, including most provinces of South Africa, Botswana, southern Namibia, and locally over southern and central Mozambique. Moderate to heavy rains (39-336 mm; 81-222% of normal) also soaked southern and central Madagascar. In contrast, light rains (1-10 mm; 4-34% of normal) fell over most of Zimbabwe, except local areas in the northeast and southeast that received 42-51 mm (185-287% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dry conditions across most of Zambia. The estimates ranged between 25 mm over southern Angola and 300 mm in the northwestern areas.
  • April 21-30 2005 - Beneficial rains (10-39 mm; 85-241% of normal) fell across the Maize Triangle of South Africa, including the Northern Transvaal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, the Kwazulu/Natal and Free State provinces. Moderate to heavy rains (24-88 mm; 103-472% of normal) also fell across Swaziland, and locally over southern and northern Mozambique and along the central coast, and over Madagascar. Lighter rains (1-13 mm) fell across most of Zimbabwe, and central and northern Madagascar. Dry conditions prevailed across the western provinces of South Africa. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-25 mm) across northern Angola and southeastern Botswana. Dry conditions prevailed across Namibia, southern and central Angola, most of Namibia, and Malawi. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below average across the region.
  • April 11-20 2005 - Dry conditions prevailed across most of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, central and southern Angola, and western Madagascar. The exceptions to this dryness were the central areas of southern Africa, including portions of the Free State, the North-West, the Eastern Cape, the Kwazulu/Natal provinces of South Africa, and Lesotho that registered beneficial rains (24-77 mm; 85-251% of normal). Moderate to heavy rains (84-128 mm; 98-245% of normal) soaked locally portions of the southeast coast of Madagascar. Elsewhere, light rains (1-13 mm; 4-36% of normal) fell over portions of the Northern Transvaal, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, and over Swaziland. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average across the region.
  • April 1-10 2005 - A the seasonal rains continued to wind down, light rains (1-19 mm; 9-74% of normal) fell over the northeastern provinces of South Africa, including Transvaal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and portions of Kwazulu/Natal. Light rain (1-33 mm; 5-35% of normal) and dry conditions also sustained moisture deficit across Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique. Light to moderate rains (12-83 mm; 34-58% of normal) fell along the east coast of Madagascar, while the northwester, southeastern and portions of the central areas received moderate to heavy rains (17-191 mm; 85-434% of normal). Beneficial rains (12-60 mm; 81-370% of normal) fell across the western areas of the Maize Triangle of South Africa, including the Free State province. Moderate to heavy, but unseasonable rains (11-171 mm; 165-786% of normal) doused portions of the Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Dry conditions prevailed over Swaziland and Lesotho. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy downpours (50-100 mm) locally over western Botswana and portions of western Angola. Rainfall estimates were lighter and ranged between 1 and 25 mm across most of Namibia, the eastern half of Angola and most of Zambia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below average across the region, except over Zimbabwe, where they were 1 to 2 degrees C above normal.
  • March 2005 - Heavy rains (183-646 mm, 98-548% of normal) sustained wet soils along the southeast coast of Madagascar and the central areas. However, light to moderate rains (19- 225 mm; 14-68% of normal) fell along the central east coast and locally in portions of the northern and western areas. Light rains also sustained moisture deficit across northern Mozambique, Malawi, most of Zimbabwe, and portions of the Northern Transvaal province of South Africa. Beneficial rains (53-232 mm; 84-172% of normal) fell over northern Botswana, portions of the Maize Triangle of South Africa, including the Kwazulu/Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. However, Lighter rains (33-72 mm; 42-76% of normal) fell over most of the Gauteng and Free State provinces. Light rains (3-24 mm; 4-67% of normal) also fell over most of the western provinces of South Africa. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dry conditions over central Mozambique, while light to moderate rains (25-100 mm) did little to alleviate long term drought in the southern areas. Dry conditions also prevailed along coastal Namibia. Estimates ranged between 25 and 100 mm across central and northern Namibia, and southern Zambia. They were heavier (150-250 mm) over most of Angola, and northern Zambia.
  • March 21-31 2005 - As the seasonal rains have started to wind down, light rains (1-40 mm; 1-44% of normal fell across most of Madagascar, northern Zimbabwe, most of the central and western provinces of South Africa, and Lesotho. However, heavy rains (236-435 mm; over 200% of normal) once again pounded coastal southeastern Madagascar, and isolated moderate rains (46-61 mm; 84-126% of normal) fell over the central and northern localities. Moderate rains (17-68 mm; 127-168% of normal) also sustained moisture over most of the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu/Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, the northern areas of the Free State province of South Africa, and Swaziland. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light rains (1-25 mm) in most of the southern areas of Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, northern Malawi, and over southeastern Zambia. Rainfall estimates were heavier and ranged between 50 and 100 mm over extreme northern Botswana, northeastern and northwestern Zambia, and southern Angola. Dry conditions sustained moisture deficit over central Mozambique and southern Malawi. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below average across the region, except along coastal areas of Mozambique and Madagascar, where they were 1 to 2 degrees C above normal.
  • March 11-20 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (77-147 mm; 96-424% of normal) soaked the southeastern and northern coasts of Madagascar, and locally in the central areas. Moderate to heavy rains (43-225 mm; 119-272% of normal) alleviated dryness along the central and southern coasts of Mozambique. In South Africa, locally moderate to heavy rains (21-68 mm; 127-247% of normal) sustained moisture over parts of the Kwazulu/Natal and portions of the Free State provinces. Moderate rains (34-54 mm; 110-182% of normal) brought drought relief to Swaziland and portions of northeastern and central Zimbabwe. However, little or no rain sustained moisture deficit across southern Zimbabwe, and most of Mozambique. Light to moderate rains (1-84 mm; 18-74% of normal) fell across most of South Africa’s Maize Triangle and Lesotho. Mid-latitude frontal systems brought light rains (3-24 mm) to the Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dry conditions across southeastern Botswana, along the Namibian coast, and southern Zambia. Rainfall estimates were moderate to heavy over northern Namibia, Angola, and northern Zambia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average across the region.
  • March 1-10 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (54-205 mm; 90-284% of normal) fell over the east central areas of Madagascar and locally in the south. Beneficial rains (20-140 mm; 94-295% of normal) continued to fall over portions of the Maize Triangle of South Africa, including the Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Kwazulu/Natal provinces. These rains extended to Lesotho, Swaziland, and portions of southern Mozambique and brought drought relief to some of these areas. However, light rains (1-27 mm) continued to sustain moisture deficit across the Free State province of South Africa, most of Zimbabwe, central and northern Mozambique, and Malawi. Mid-latitude frontal systems brought moderate rains (10-49 mm; 96-373% of normal) to the Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dry conditions across southern Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and extreme southern Angola. Rainfall estimates ranged between 50 and 100 mm across northern Angola. The estimates were lighter over northeastern Zambia and ranged between 10 and 75mm. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below normal across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. They were 1 to 2 degrees C above normal elsewhere.
  • February 2005 - Heavy rains (100-526 mm, 97-158% of normal) fell locally along the east coast of Madagascar as well as in the central areas. However, light rains (17-122 mm; 7-33% of normal) sustained moisture deficit along portions of the west coast. Moderate to heavy rains (41-278 mm; 83-138% of normal) fell over the Kwazulu/Natal and portions of the Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, locally over parts of Zimbabwe and coastal areas of northern and central Mozambique, and central Namibia. Light to moderate rains (8-104 mm; 17-73% of normal) fell over most of South Africa, including the Maize Triangle, northern Namibia, Botswana, and southern Malawi. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated an amplification of the dryness in the area encompassing northern South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, southern and central Mozambique, and southern Malawi. However, heavy rains sustained moisture over eastern Zambia and most of Angola.
  • February 21-28 2005 - Heavy rains (107-224 mm, 131-246% of normal) soaked most of Madagascar and brought relief to coastal areas of central and northern Mozambique. Zimbabwe has been experiencing short term dryness. However, beneficial rains (40-106 mm; 98-279% of normal) benefited the northeastern and central sectors. Moderate to heavy rains (20-108 mm; 80-222% of normal) fell over most of Malawi, and over parts of the Maize Triangle of South Africa in the areas including the Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Kwazulu/Natal provinces. However, light rains (3-36 mm; 10-63% of normal) covered southern Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia. Light rains also sustained moisture deficit over southern Mozambique, most of the western half of Zimbabwe, and locally over the Maize Triangle including portions of the Free State province. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy downpours (50-150 mm) across Zambia. The estimates ranged between 25 and 75 mm over northern and central Angola, while dry conditions prevailed to the south. Temperatures were generally1 to 3 degrees C above average across the region, except over eastern Zimbabwe and Zambia, where they were 1 to 3 degrees C below normal.
  • February 11-20 2005 - Heavy rains (82-338 mm, 98-142% of normal) fell along the coastal areas of central Mozambique, as well as over southern and northeastern Mozambique, northern Namibia, southeastern and northeastern Madagascar and along the northeastern coast of South Africa. Moderate to heavy rains (21-85 mm; 80-233% of normal) occurred over most parts of the Maize Triangle, the Northern Transvaal, and portions of the Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, Western Botswana, southern Zambia, Namibia and over southwest of Angola. Otherwise, generally light to moderate rains (2-60 mm; 2-58% of normal) occurred over most of Zimbabwe, most of Angola, the Western Cape Province of South Africa, Lesotho, most of Madagascar, Malawi and most of Zambia. Dry conditions persisted over Swaziland. Satellite rainfall estimates showed locally heavy downpours (75-150 mm) over western Zambia and southwestern, northeastern and eastern Angola. Temperatures averaged 1 to 4° C below average over western Zambia and parts of Zimbabwe. They were 1 to 3 degrees C above normal elsewhere.
  • February 1-10 2005 - Heavy rains (94-258 mm, 96-305% of normal) fell over central and northern Madagascar, and along the central and northern coastal areas of Mozambique. Moderate to heavy rains (20-75 mm; 80-229% of normal) fell across southern and central Namibia, the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, and locally over the Northern Transvaal and the Free State provinces of South Africa. However, light rains (2-21 mm; 3-73% of normal) fell across most of the Maize Triangle, most of Zimbabwe, portions of the northern areas of Mozambique, and most of Malawi. Dry conditions relieved Swaziland from the heavy rains of the previous ten-day period. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated locally heavy downpours (75-150 mm) over southwestern and northeastern Angola, and over northeastern Zambia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 1 and 25 mm across central and southern Zambia, and Botswana. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average over northern Zimbabwe, southern Madagascar, and Lesotho. They were 1 to 3 degrees C above average elsewhere.
  • January 2005 - Heavy rains (132-534 mm; 131-555% of normal) fell over the southern areas of Madagascar. Lighter rains (60-409 mm; 16-74% of normal) fell in the remainder of the country. Moderate to heavy rains (56-323mm, 75-243% of normal) also fell over central South Africa, eastern Namibia, northern Mozambique, and along the central watershed in Zimbabwe. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 150-250 mm across northern Mozambique, Malawi, most of Zambia, central Angola, and northern Namibia. The estimates indicated lighter rains (25-100 mm) across central and southern Namibia, and most of Botswana. Dry conditions prevailed in the Western Cape province of South Africa and along the coast of Namibia.
  • January 21-31 2005 - Heavy rains (104-205 mm, 137-262% of normal) fell over southern Madagascar. Northeastern Mozambique and northern Zimbabwe also received moderate to heavy rains (46-227mm, 95-368% of normal). Spotty moderate to heavy showers (57-89mm, 155-203% of normal) fell over portions of northern South Africa, while the Maize Triangle generally received light rains. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dry conditions over much of Namibia and the southern parts of South Africa and Botswana. The estimates ranged between 50 and 150 mm over central Angola and Zambia. Temperatures generally average 1 to 3 degrees C below normal across Zambia, Zimbabwe, southern Madagascar, eastern Angola and the central parts of South Africa. Elsewhere, they were 1 to 2 degrees C above average.
  • January 11-20 2005 - Some moderate to heavy rainfall (37-164 mm, 95-536% of normal) fell over central and northern portions of South Africa, including the maize triangle. The southern parts of South Africa experienced rainfall ranging from 7 to 35 mm, representing 159-422% of normal. The central parts of Zimbabwe, extreme northern portions of Mozambique and the eastern coastal areas of Madagascar also picked up moderate to heavy amounts of rainfall (38-152 mm, 97-107% of normal). A tropical cyclone that entered the northern Mozambique Channel by the end of the period contributed to the rainfall totals in Madagascar, although amounts there were not excessive. In contrast, excessive rains struck the central coast of Mozambique, which saw over 175 mm. Much of the Zambezi River Basin recorded over 100 mm of rain, continuing the wet pattern that has persisted since December. Botswana also saw spotty moderate to heavy rains (43-100 mm, 329-478% of normal), with satellite estimates showing up to 150 mm over Botswana, central parts of Zambia, the southern parts of Angola and the northern portions of Namibia. Near-drought conditions have developed over southern Mozambique and southeastern Zimbabwe, as this area measured less than 10 mm (50% of normal) this period, and rainfall since November has totaled less than 50% of normal in parts of this area. Long-term drought persisted over Western Cape Province of South Africa. Temperatures ranged from 1 to 3 degrees C below average over Zambia, northern South Africa, southern Botswana, much of Angola, and eastern Zimbabwe, while they rose to 2 to 4 degrees C above average over western Angola, northern Botswana, and South Africa’s Cape Province.
  • January 1-10 2005 - Unfavorably hot, dry weather affected parts of the western Maize Triangle as well as western and northern Lesotho, rainfall ranging from 0 to 26 mm (0-90% of normal) across western portions of the South Africa’s Northwest Province and Free State, and adjacent Lesotho. Abnormal heat accompanied the dry weather, with temperatures averaging as much as 4 degrees C above normal in southwestern Free State. In contrast, normal to above normal rains (20-40 mm, 70-140% of normal) spread across eastern portions of the Maize Triangle. Most of Cape Province was dry this period, allowing long-term drought to persist in western parts of Western Cape Province. Elsewhere, little or no rain (0-7 mm, 0-60% of normal) fell across southern Mozambique, southern Zimbabwe, and eastern Botswana for the second week. Temperatures averaging around 2 degrees C above normal aggravated the dryness. Cumulative rainfall since November 1 totaled as little as 50% of normal in parts of southern Mozambique and southern Zimbabwe. In contrast, heavy rains again hit Madagascar, Mozambique, northern Malawi, eastern Zambia, and southern DRC, but amounts (75-250 mm, 90-190% of normal) were less than measured during late December, and the heavy rains covered a smaller area. Abnormally heavy rains (25-150 mm, 125-400% of normal) also fell over northern Namibia and southwestern Angola.
  • December 2004 - The moderate to heavy rains of the last 10-day period of December contributed to above normal rainfall across most of southern Africa. The heaviest amounts (221-710 mm; 129-254% of normal) fell over the northern areas of Madagascar, Mozambique, and portions of northern Zimbabwe. The crop growing areas of South Africa, southern Zimbabwe, and Botswana received beneficial rains. The exception to the wetness was the climatologically dry region of southern Africa, including the western areas of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, western Botswana, and Namibia, where rainfall amounts ranged between 1 and 64 mm (2-92% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy downpours (200-400 mm) across Zambia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 150 and 250 mm across northern Angola, while dryness prevailed in the southwest.
  • December 21-31 2004 - Moderate to heavy rains (34-368 mm; 93-368% of normal) fell over the northern and coastal areas of Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and northern Zimbabwe. Light rains (39 mm; 4-53% of normal) fell over southern Zimbabwe. In South Africa, beneficial rains (17-133 mm; 85-133% of normal) fell over the Maize Triangle as well as the Kwazulu/Natal and the coastal areas of the Eastern Cape. Locally moderate to heavy rains (12-171 mm; 182-343% of normal) fell over the Western Cape, while seasonable dryness prevailed over the Northern Cape. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy downpours (75-250 mm) over most of Zambia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 25 and 100 mm in most of Angola, while they were light and spotty over northern Namibia and across Botswana. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over southern Zimbabwe, the eastern areas of Mozambique and Namibia, and across much of South Africa and Botswana. They were 1 to 4 degrees C below normal elsewhere.
  • December 11-20 2004 - Moderate to heavy rains (48-288mm; 112-279 % of normal) fell over central and along the east coast of Madagascar, northern Mozambique, portions of central and northern Malawi, and locally over central and eastern Zimbabwe. In South Africa, moderate to heavy rains (28-65 mm; 83-165% of normal) fell along a narrow band from the Transvaal through portions of Gauteng and the northern sectors of the Free State to the southern areas of the Kwazulu/Natal. However, light rains (2-18 mm) sustained moisture deficits in portions of the Maize Triangle. Light to moderate rains (2-49 mm; 12-73% of normal) fell across most of southern and western Zimbabwe. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated spotty activity (25-50 mm) over the southern and northern areas of Botswana. The estimates were extremely heavy (75-200 mm) across northeastern Zambia. They were moderate (25-75 mm) over central Zambia and the northern half of Angola. Dry conditions prevailed over Namibia and along the west and south coasts of South Africa. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below normal over Zimbabwe, Zambia, northern South Africa, and most of Mozambique. They were 1 to 4 degrees C above normal elsewhere.
  • December 1-10 2004 - Moderate to heavy rains (21-204 mm, 89-405% of normal) fell over Zimbabwe, along the central coast of Mozambique, locally over the Northern Transvaal and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, and Swaziland. Beneficial rains (16-65 mm; 84-209% of normal) fell in the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. However, light to moderate rains (1-56 mm; 23-75% of normal) fell across Kwazulu/Natal and most of the northern areas of the Maize Triangle of South Africa. Light to moderate rains (5-59 mm; 3-50% of normal) also fell across most of Madagascar and northern Mozambique. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy downpours (75-200 mm) across Zambia, central Mozambique and portions of northern Botswana and central Angola. Rainfall estimates ranged between 10 and 75 mm across central and southern Botswana, northwestern Namibia, and portions of northern and southern Angola. Dry conditions prevailed across most of Namibia, along the coast of Angola, and over the Northern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Temperatures were 1 to 4 degrees below normal over much of the region, except South Africa, coastal Mozambique, and Madagascar, where they were 1 to 2 degrees C above normal.
  • November 2004 - Despite the slow start to the rainy season, moderate to heavy rains (25-218 mm; 86-240% of normal) fell locally over Kwazulu/Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Western Cape provinces of South Africa, Swaziland, eastern Lesotho, northeastern Zimbabwe, northwestern and southern Botswana, eastern Namibia and southern and northern Mozambique. Moderate rains (37-212 mm; 144-181% of normal) also fell over Madagascar. Dry conditions prevailed in the southern areas of the Free State province of South Africa as well as central and northwestern areas of Mozambique. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) over southern Botswana, while dry conditions prevailed in the northeast. Rainfall estimates were heavy (75-400 mm) over a north-south band from central Angola to central Namibia. They were moderate (50-250 mm) over north Zambia.
  • November 21-30 2004 - The slow start of the rainy season continued with light rains across most of the region. However, local areas in South Africa, Swaziland, eastern Lesotho, northern Zimbabwe and southern and northern Mozambique, registered moderate to heavy rains (17-132 mm; 96-271% of normal). Moderate rains (37-64 mm; 93-224% of normal) also fell over central Madagascar, while light rains (6-57 mm; 13-43% of normal) fell along the east coast. Light rains also fell across portions of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and southern Angola, while dry conditions prevailed in central and northwestern Mozambique. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) over southwestern Botswana, while dry conditions prevailed in the northwest. Rainfall estimates were heavy (75-150 mm) over northern Angola, and moderate (25-150 mm) over northern Zambia. Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal across northeastern South Africa, southern Zimbabwe, eastern Botswana and northern Namibia. They were 2 to 4 degrees C below normal across northern Zimbabwe, Zambia and southern South Africa.
  • November 11-20 2004 - The slow start of the rainy season was sustained with light rains across most of the region. The exceptions were local areas in the Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Kwazulu/Natal provinces of South Africa, and southern Mozambique, where rainfall amounts ranged between 15 and 95 mm (89-211% of normal). Moderate rains (53-68 mm; 100-134% of normal) also fell over central Madagascar, while light rains (2-39 mm; 5-63% of normal) fell along the east coast. Light rains also fell across most of northern Zimbabwe, while dry conditions prevailed in the south and along coastal Mozambique. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) over southern Botswana, while dry conditions prevailed in the northeast. Rainfall estimates were heavy (75-150 mm) over a north-south band from central Angola to central Namibia. They were moderate (25-75 mm) over northwestern Zambia. Temperatures averaged 2 to 5 degrees C above normal across South Africa and southern Zimbabwe. They were 2 to 4 degrees C below normal across northern Zimbabwe and Zambia.
  • November 1-10 2004 - Seasonably light rainfalls struck virtually every country in the region. The amounts ranging from 1 to 55 mm hit scattered locations in South Africa Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Zambia. Moderate to heavy showers (22-115 mm) fell locally over Kwazulu/Natal and northeastern Zimbabwe. Moderate showers (27-61 mm) fell over eastern Madagascar. Temperatures were well below normal (by 2 to 6 degrees C) from Angola southward through Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana and well above normal (2 to 6 degrees C) over Namibia and South Africa.
  • October 11-20 2004 - Unseasonably heavy rainfalls struck virtually every country in the region. The greatest amounts (50-150 mm, 200 to over 400% of normal) hit northern Angola, scattered locations in northern Namibia, and most of the maize region in Zimbabwe. Totals (10-50 mm, 200-700% of normal) were less across southern Angola, central Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Malawi, but were still well above amounts expected this early in the summer rainy season. One of the few areas with substandard rainfall (2-12 mm, 10-30% of normal) included Swaziland and adjacent portions of southern Mozambique and southeastern South Africa. Temperatures were well below normal (by 2 to 6 degrees C) from Zambia southward through Zimbabwe and Botswana.
  • October 1-10 2004 - Seasonable dryness continued to prevail across the region. However, light to moderate rains (3-88 mm; 76-500% of normal) fell over most of the Western Cape province of South Africa, southern Madagascar, and most of Zimbabwe. Lighter rains fell along the northeastern coast of Madagascar. Temperatures generally averaged 1 to 8 degrees C below normal across the region.
  • September 2004 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across the region, except light to moderate but unseasonable rains (10-155 mm) over portions of the Northern Cape, the Free State, and the Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Moderate to heavy rains (33-153 mm; 91-145% of normal) also fell over portions of Madagascar.
  • September 21-30 2004 - Seasonable dryness continued to prevail across the region. However, light to moderate rains (9-35 mm) fell over portions of the Free State and the Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. Light to moderate rains (18-91 mm; 145-333% of normal) also fell along the mid-coast of Madagascar as well as the northwestern areas. Temperatures generally averaged 1 to 6 degrees C below normal across the region.
  • September 11-20 2004 - Light but beneficial rains fell in the winter crop areas of the Western Cape province of South Africa, while seasonable dryness continued to prevail across the remainder of the region. Temperatures generally averaged 1 to 3 degrees C below normal across the region.
  • September 1-10 2004 - The winter crop areas of the Western Cape province of South Africa received little or no rain, while seasonable dryness continued to prevail across the remainder of the region. Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal across most of South Africa and Namibia. They were 1 to 2 degrees C below normal elsewhere.
  • August 2004 - Wet conditions prevailed in portions of the Western Cape province of South Africa, where rainfall amounts ranged between 12 and 53 mm (98-228% of normal). Light but unseasonable rains fell over parts of eastern and southern Madagascar and northern Mozambique. Seasonable dryness prevailed elsewhere.
  • August 21-31 2004 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across the region. However, scattered light rains fell over portions of eastern Madagascar and parts of South Africa. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over the Cape provinces of South Africa and Namibia. They were 1 to 3 degrees C below normal elsewhere.
  • August 11-20 2004 - Light to moderate rains (4-65 mm; 8-199% of normal) fell along the east coast of South Africa. Seasonable dryness prevailed across the region, except isolated showers (2-23 mm) that fell along coastal Mozambique and the east coast of South Africa. Mid latitude systems across the Cape provinces of South Africa continued to provide beneficial rains for the winter crops. Temperatures were generally 2 to 3 degrees C below normal across the region, except central and western South Africa, Namibia, and portions of Mozambique, where they were 1 to 2 degrees C above normal.
  • August 1-10 2004 - Moderate rain to heavy rains (19-85 mm; 126-590% of normal) due to mid latitude cyclones favored winter grains across Western Cape in South Africa. Lighter showers (1-13 mm; 28-267% of normal) fell elsewhere in southwestern South Africa. Isolated light showers fell along the east coast of South Africa and along the Mozambique coast (0-17mm; 0-47% of normal). The rest of southern Africa was seasonably dry. Showers fell along the east coast of Madagascar (10-31 mm; 24-43% of normal), with seasonably dry conditions reported over the rest of the country. Temperatures averaged 1 to 4 degrees Celsius below normal in western South Africa, southern Namibia and southwestern Botswana. Temperatures averaged 0 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal over eastern South Africa, eastern Botswana, Swaziland, southern Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
  • July 2004 - July was wetter than normal across Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces in South Africa, as well as Swaziland (19-206 mm; 105-368% of normal). This was mainly due to a strong winter storm towards the end of the month. Showers were also observed across southern and coastal portions of Mozambique (5-50 mm; 24-380% of normal). The rest of southern Africa was seasonably dry. In Madagascar, seasonable showers prevailed along the east coast (71-224 mm; 58-160% of normal), with seasonably dry conditions elsewhere. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal for July 2004 across eastern South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Malawi and Mozambique. Across western South Africa, Namibia and Madagascar, temperatures averaged near normal.
  • July 21-31 2004 - A strong late autumn storm system produced showers and locally heavy thunderstorms in and around Western Cape in South Africa (11-94 mm; 192-449% of normal). The storm system also produced rain, some of which was very heavy, across coastal sections of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Rainfall amounts of 54-191 mm (247-667% of normal) were reported, most of which fell in 24 hours. In the southern Drakensberg, heavy snowfall was reported. Showers were reported across interior KwaZulu-Natal, eastern Mpumalanga, and eastern Limpopo provinces in South Africa as well as Swaziland and southern Mozambique (6-60 mm; 324-1000 % of normal). Elsewhere, conditions were seasonably dry across southern Africa. Temperatures averaged 1 to 4 degrees Celsius below normal across South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. In Madagascar, rainfall was confined to the east coast, where occasional showers were observed (5-62 mm; 9-72% of normal). Locally heavy rains fell along northern coastal areas (up to 158 mm; up to 864% of normal).
  • July 11-20 2004 - Dry conditions increased short term moisture deficits across the winter grain producing across of Western Cape in South Africa. Rainfall totals are only about half of normal over the past three months. Conditions were seasonably dry across most of southern Africa. However, scattered showers were reported over northern Mozambique (2-33 mm; 72-239% of normal). Showers were also observed along coastal sections of Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa (1-45 mm; 11-341% of normal). Moderate to heavy rain fell along the east coast of Madagascar (32-150 mm; 79-274% of normal). Interior sections were dry. Temperatures averaged 1 to 4 degrees Celsius below normal across most of southern Africa. However, temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal in western South Africa.
  • July 1-10 2004 - Seasonable dryness prevailed across the region. However, light to moderate rains (1-67 mm; 3-76% of normal) fell along the east coast of Madagascar, while unseasonably light to moderate rains (9-25 mm; 128-139% of normal) locally fell over northeastern Mozambique. Light rains also fell over portions of northern and eastern South Africa, as well as the Western Cape Province. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average.

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