vf-tropicom Meteorological Analysis for South Africa

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Seasonal Vegetation Index - 1998/1999

Seasonal vegetative index


Seasonal Rainfall - 1998/1999
in mm

Seasonal rainfall


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Preliminary Monthly Weather Analysis
Southern Africa 1998/1999

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

  • July 1999 - Rainfall was close to seasonal, with the above-normal rains near the end of the month offsetting the earlier dry weather along the coast of South Africa. As a result, a few stations along the coast reported twice normal rainfall in Jul y. >
  • July 21-31 1999 - Seasonably dry conditions prevailed again over most of southern Africa except for unseasonable rains (30-60 mm; 200-700% of normal) along South Africa’s southern coast and Madagascar’s eastern coast (25-200 mm; 100-200% of normal). Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal over Botswana, northeast Namibia, and nearly all of South Africa, continuing a warm trend that persisted all month.
  • July 11-20 1999 - Seasonably dry conditions prevailed over southern Africa. However, unseasonable rains (10-60 mm; 185-285% of normal) dotted the Mozambique coast. Moderate rains (10-80 mm; 70-185% of normal) also fell over the southwestern tip of the Western Cape province of South Africa and along the east coast of Madagascar. Meteosat rainfall estimates indicated that seasonably dry weather prevailed over Angola, Zambia, and southern Zaire. The winter season continued unusually dry along the southern coast of South Africa, where 4-week rainfall amounts have been under 25% of normal. Temperatures were unusually high across South Africa and Namibia, where readings averaged 2 to 4 degrees C above normal, except along South Africa’s southern coast. Temperatures averaged 1 to 4 degrees C below normal in Zambia and Tanzania.
  • July 1-10 1999 - Seasonably dry conditions prevailed over most of southern Africa. However, rainfall was lighter than normal along the southern coast of South Africa and along the eastern coast of Madagascar. Temperatures were unusually high across South Africa and Namibia, where readings averaged 3 to 6 degrees C above normal. Temperatures were 1 to 4 degrees C below normal in Zambia and Tanzania.
  • June 1999 - Seasonably dry conditions prevailed over much of the southern African region. Moderate rains fell over Madagascar and along the coast of South Africa, but amounts were below normal over southeastern Madagascar and southwestern Cape Province of South Africa. Temperatures averaged 0 to 3 degrees C above normal over the continent and 0 to 2 degrees C below normal over Madagascar.
  • June 21-30 1999 - Seasonably dry weather continued. However, light to moderate rains (1-50 mm) were observed along the eastern coast of Madagascar, parts of Mozambique, and over the southern tip of South Africa’s western Cape Province. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal, except over Madagascar, where they generally averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below normal.
  • June 11-20 1999 - Seasonably dry weather continued over most of southern Africa, though the light to moderate rains (2-80 mm) falling in eastern Madagascar were 20 to 60 mm below normal. Also, rainfall along the coast of South Africa’s Cape Province has been under 50% of normal during the past 4 weeks. Abnormally dry weather prevailed over Réunion and Mauritius, where drought continued. Temperatures averaged around 2 to 4 degrees C above normal in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, but were mostly normal elsewhere.
  • June 1-10 1999 - Seasonably dry weather continued over southern Africa. Temperatures averaged around 2 degrees C above normal in Namibia and South Africa, but were mostly normal elsewhere.
  • May 1999 - Rainfall was seasonably low in most countries, the main exception being South Africa, where unseasonable rains hit the country in mid-May. As a result, monthly totals were 300 to 500% of normal over most of the country. Monthly temperatures averaged about 2 degrees C above normal in northern parts of Namibia and Botswana, and near normal elsewhere.
  • May 21-31 1999 - Seasonably dry weather covered southern Africa. Temperatures were mostly normal except in the northern part of Namibia, northern Botswana, northern South Africa, and all of Zimbabwe, where readings averaged 2 to 4 degrees C above normal.
  • May 11-20 1999 - Unseasonably heavy rains (10-60 mm; 300-1,000% of normal) fell across South Africa and southern Mozambique. Isolated totals reached 200 mm in southern Mozambique. Elsewhere in southern Africa, seasonably dry weather prevailed. Temperatures were mostly normal, except 2 to 4 degrees C above normal in South Africa’s Cape Province and northeastern Namibia.
  • May 1-10 1999 - Seasonably dry conditions prevailed over most of southern Africa, except for moderate rains (20-60 mm) over extreme western parts of South Africa’s maize triangle and eastern Cape Province. Above-normal temperatures persisted in Namibia, where readings averaged 3 to 4 degrees C above normal in the north, but temperatures finally moderated in South Africa, where most averages were within 3 degrees C of normal.
  • April 1999 - In central Africa, satellite estimates indicated heavy seasonal rains over much of the region, including central and northern DR of Congo (over 300 mm), western Congo, and much of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. In contrast, lighter amounts in southern DR of Congo (20-50 mm) were below normal. The dryness extended southward into southern Africa, suggesting an early end to the summer rainy season. Most of the region reported under 50% of normal rainfall in April. Exceptions to the dry pattern included northeastern Mozambique and eastern Madagascar, both areas reporting over 100 mm of rain. Abnormal heat covered interior South Africa and most of Namibia in April, with temperatures averaging around 2 degrees C above normal.
  • April 21-30 1999 - Rainfall increased over South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Mozambique. These totals (10-60 mm) were unseasonably high, as the region is typically entering or nearing the dry season by the end of April. Elsewhere in southern Africa, little or no rain fell, including over most of Angola and southern DR Congo. Temperatures were slightly above normal in South Africa but 3 to 4 degrees C above normal over the northern half of Namibia.
  • April 11-20 1999 - Dry weather (near 0 mm) extended from western and central Zambia and south Angola to Zimbabwe, Botswana, and most interior areas of South Africa. The 10-day rainfall amounts ranged from 10 to 20 mm over coastal areas of South Africa. Normal rains (10-50 mm) continued across Malawi and northern Mozambique. Temperatures were near normal in western South Africa and 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over the eastern half of South Africa.
  • April 1-10 1999 - Dry weather (near 0 mm) extended from western and central Zambia and Namibia south to Zimbabwe, Botswana, and most interior areas of South Africa. Though the rainy season typically tapers off during this time of year, totally dry conditions are not common during early April, when 10-day normal amounts range from 10 to 20 mm. Temperatures 2 to 5 degrees C above normal worsened dryness in western South Africa, including Cape Province and Free State. Normal to above-normal rains fell across coastal areas of Cape Province. With the seasonal rains easing earlier than usual, 4-week rainfall totals were generally under 50% of normal for most of southern Africa except for Malawi and Mozambique.
  • March 1999 - For the fourth consecutive month, rainfall was above normal over Mozambique, with amounts ranging between 100 and 360 mm (115-195% of normal), particularly along the coast and over the northern part of the country. Abundant rains (85-210% of normal) also fell over the eastern half of Zimbabwe, northern Botswana, extreme northeastern, northwestern and southern Namibia, and western Zambia. Drier conditions prevailed to the south, including much of Botswana and South Africa, where rainfall amounts were only between 15 and 85% of normal. Madagascar also had below normal rainfall (45-90% of normal) despite rainfall amounts ranging between 100 and 500 mm. However, the extreme northwestern part of the country received 100-140% of normal rainfall. Satellite rainfall estimates suggested that abundant rains (150-300 mm) fell over much of Angola.
  • March 21-31 1999 - Rainfall was heavier in the northern part. Malawi, northern Mozambique, the northern half of Zimbabwe, southeastern and western Zambia experienced above-normal rains (50- 115 mm; 120-200% of normal). In parts of South Africa's maize triangle, 10 to 50 mm of rain further eased dryness, as did showers in extreme northern Namibia. Above-normal temperatures and sporadic showers maintained unusually dry conditions from central Namibia southward into South Africa's Western Cape.
  • March 11-20 1999 - Near-normal rains (10-50 mm) eased dryness to some extent over South Africa’s maize triangle, but unusually hot weather, with temperatures averaging 3 to 4 degrees C above normal, maintained very dry conditions from the western triangle into Cape Province. Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal in Botswana and Namibia, but normal to above-normal rains (20-50 mm) reduced dryness. To the north, wet weather (100-200 mm) persisted from northern Mozambique westward through northern Malawi, northern Zambia, and into southern Angola. Diminishing rains (25-90 mm) relieved some of the excessive wetness over central and southern Mozambique. In southern Madagascar, light rain fell in the southwest, but amounts ranged from 70 to 160 mm on the eastern coast and northern interior.
  • March 1-10 1999 - Abnormal dryness (0-10 mm; 0-30% of normal) covered nearly all of interior South Africa, western Lesotho, much of Namibia, and the southern crop areas of Botswana. Temperatures 4 to 6 degrees C above normal intensified dryness in central and western South Africa, including most of the maize belt. The hot, dry weather affected important white maize areas of Free State and North West, as well as the traditionally milder locations in the far eastern maize belt. This was the fourth consecutive period with below-normal rainfall in Botswana’s eastern crop areas and the second dry period in western Lesotho. Showers did bring some needed rain to Namibia late in the period, but most of the country has measured below-normal rains for the bulk of the growing season. Seasonably heavy rains fell in Mozambique (50-135 mm), with locally excessive amounts (135 mm) again along the central coast. Heavy rains (50-200 mm) also fell over Malawi and northern Zambia. Rainfall has tended to be heavy over Western, Central, and Lusaka Provinces of Zambia since late December. Drier weather covered Madagascar, following heavy rains in January and February. Cyclone Davina struck Mauritius and La Réunion on March 9 and 10 with estimated sustained peak winds of 85 to 90 knots. Temperatures were generally near normal over eastern parts of southern Africa and 3 to 6 degrees C above normal in the west and south.
  • February 1999 - For the third consecutive month, heavy rains hit Mozambique, with 300 to 500 mm recorded over much of the country except in the far north and far south. February rainfall totals were not as high in northern Zimbabwe, where amounts were mostly 100 to 200 mm (70-140% of normal). Rainfall was lighter in southern Zimbabwe. Satellite estimates also indicated abnormally wet weather in Zambia, especially in Central and Southern regions, where many locations collected over 400 mm of rain for the month. The zone of abnormal wetness also included southwest Madagascar and much of Malawi, with 250 mm and greater totals at many locations. Drier weather prevailed to the south and west of the wet zone, with totals of 40 to 100 mm common. In contrast to the heavy rainfall early in the month in South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal province, monthly totals in the maize triangle were generally short of normal (30-80 mm; 15-100% of normal). Below-normal rainfall also affected Botswana, with estimated monthly totals largely less than 50 mm (50% of normal). Rainfall was also below normal over Namibia’s agricultural zones (10-80 mm; 40-70% of normal). Amounts were higher during January in the crop areas of all three countries, mitigating the impact of the February dryness. However, temperatures averaging 2 to 3 degrees C above normal worsened dryness in South Africa and Namibia. Monthly temperatures averaged near to slightly below normal farther north and east.
  • February 21-28 1999 - Rainfall increased in the southeast following some relief from excessive wetness during the prior period. Heavy rains (100-355 mm) fell over central Mozambique from coastal Inhambane northward to Zambezia province, but amounts were much lighter to the north and south. At least 355 mm of rain inundated the city of Inhambane.. Quite heavy rains (50-200 mm) fell over Malawi and Zambia, with the heaviest amounts concentrated in the southern two-thirds of Malawi and in southeastern Zambia. The heavy rains edged into extreme northern Zimbabwe, where amounts ranged from 10 to 100 mm. In contrast, little or no rain fell over southern Zimbabwe, resulting in the driest weather since the rainy season began in early November. Abnormal dryness (0-20 mm) covered most of South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, and Namibia. Temperatures 2 to 4 degrees C above normal intensified dryness in central and western South Africa and interior Namibia. Cumulative rainfall over the past 4 weeks has been less than 50% of normal over South Africa’s western and eastern maize triangle and interior Cape Province, as well as much of Namibia and Botswana. This was the third consecutive period with below-normal rainfall in Botswana’s eastern crop areas. Abnormally wet weather (60-150 mm) persisted in southwestern Madagascar. Temperatures generally averaged 0 to 2 degrees C below normal over eastern portions of southern Africa.
  • February 11-20 1999 - Moderate to locally heavy rains fell over central and northeast Mozambique, but overall amounts in Mozambique and northern Zimbabwe decreased, easing excessive wetness. Totals ranged from 13 to 146 mm (40-220% of normal) over central and southern Mozambique and the north coast. Moderate rains (10-70 mm; 10-135% of normal) fell over northern Zimbabwe. In South Africa, locally heavy showers (10-50 mm or more) fell in the maize triangle. Heaviest rains fell in chronically dry areas of the eastern corn belt, which had recorded below-normal rainfall since mid-January. Seasonably heavy rains (25-100 mm) fell over the coastal areas of Kwazulu-Natal, where flooding had earlier occurred. Hot weather (temperatures 1 to 4 degrees C above normal) dominated farmland in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, with low rainfall amounts (0-35 mm). Satellite estimates indicated spotty rains (0-25 mm) over Botswana for the second consecutive period. Totals (0-25 mm) were somewhat below normal over Namibia, where temperatures 2 to 4 degrees C above normal intensified dryness. Moderate to locally heavy rains (10-190 mm; 15-230% of normal) fell in Madagascar, except for the southwest, which recorded torrential rains (245 mm; 425% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates depicted moderate to heavy rains (10-200 mm) over northern Zambia and moderate to heavy rains (50-200 mm) over Angola. Temperatures generally averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below normal over eastern portions of southern Africa.
  • February 1-10 1999 - Moderate to heavy rains persisted over much of the region, with excessive rains likely triggering more flooding in Mozambique. Torrential rains exceeding 200 mm deluged South Africa's Kwazulu-Natal province, spurring flooding in central sections of the sugarcane region. Moderate rains fell in the western part of South Africa's maize triangle but, farther east, rains were negligible in a chronic dry patch centered around southern Mpumalanga. Cape Province in western South Africa was dry, except along the coast, but light rains are common during this time of the year. Heavy to very heavy rains (149-236 mm; 190-380% of normal) fell over central and southern Mozambique, including the area already hit by heavy rains on January 11-20. Moderate rains (10-70 mm; 10-330% of normal) fell over Zimbabwe, northern Botswana, and northeast Namibia. Rainfall was below normal elsewhere in Namibia. Moderate to locally heavy rains (30-195 mm; 30-230% of normal) soaked Madagascar, where west-central areas have sustained two consecutive periods of above-normal rains. Satellite rainfall estimates depicted moderate to locally very heavy rains (50 to more than 200 mm) over central Zambia and eastern Angola. Temperatures generally averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below normal.
  • January 1999 - For the second consecutive month, heavy rains (200-500 mm, 150-300% of normal) struck central and southern Mozambique and northern Zimbabwe, while seasonably heavy rains (100-250 mm) ended drought in northern Mozambique. Excessive rains (300-500 mm) also fell over southern Malawi and portions of western Madagascar. Rainfall decreased to the south, with amounts normal to below normal in South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, and Namibia. January rainfall totaled less than 50% of normal in central Namibia and parts of South Africa’s maize triangle, mainly the Orange Free State. However, monthly average temperatures were near normal in these areas and elsewhere in the region. Satellite estimates indicated that rainfall was excessive (over 400 mm) in several northern sections of Zambia as well as a large part of Angola. Heavy rains (300-500 mm) also fell in southern and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
  • January 21-31 1999 - Seasonable rains (50-100 mm; 80-130% of normal) fell over flood-affected areas of central and southern Mozambique following last period’s deluge. Rainfall also diminished to seasonable levels (30-100 mm) in Zimbabwe and southern Malawi. Heavy and excessive rains (150-240 mm), however, fell over the northern third of Malawi and adjacent parts of southwestern Tanzania. Heavy rains (100-150 mm) also fell in northern Zambia, where western portions have seen above-normal amounts for the past three consecutive periods. Rainfall picked up across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa from the below-normal amounts of January 11-20, with totals mostly ranging from 20 to 100 mm. Totals in Angola were seasonably high (50-150 mm), according to satellite rainfall estimates, though over 300 mm fell in the extreme northwest. In Madagascar, some western areas recorded as much as 200 to 300 mm of rain (150-225% of normal). Temperatures were generally near normal, except for 2 to 4 degrees C above normal in southern and western Namibia and South Africa’s Cape Province.
  • January 11-20 1999 - Moderate to heavy rains persisted over the east while drier weather covered the west. The heaviest rains (over 200 mm) fell over central Mozambique (Sofala and Manica provinces), but heavy rains (110-155 mm; 220-260% of normal) also fell over southern Mozambique, southern Malawi, eastern Zimbabwe, and parts of eastern South Africa. Abnormally wet conditions have prevailed since November across much of this region. As a result, there have been reports of flooding in Mozambique, especially in Gaza province. An area of thunderstorms in the Mozambique Channel developed into Tropical Storm Alda on January 17. The storm tracked southeastward, missing southern Madagascar. Though it did not cross the coast, Alda contributed to the rains in Mozambique. Most of South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as northern Mozambique, northern Namibia, and central Zambia, reported moderate rainfall (10-90 mm; 20-320% of normal). Madagascar also collected moderate rains (10-100 mm;15 to 350% of normal). Light rains (under 10 mm; 5 -125% of normal) fell over south Namibia and the western half of South Africa. Satellite rainfall estimates depicted moderate to locally very heavy rains (50 to more than 200 mm) over Zambia and Angola. Moderate rains (10-25 mm) fell over crop areas in eastern Botswana. Temperatures were generally near normal, except for 2 to 3 degrees C above normal in northeast Namibia.
  • January 1-10 1999 - Moderate to isolated heavy rains persisted over much of the region. Heavy rains (110-200 mm; 220-320% of normal) fell over central Mozambique and south Malawi. Northern Mozambique collected rainfall of 50 to 100 mm or more, significantly relieving drought. Moderate rains (10-100 mm; 30-260% of normal) fell over east South Africa, south Mozambique, the eastern half of Zimbabwe, and parts of Namibia and Botswana. Moderate to locally very heavy rains (20-435 mm; 20-530% of normal) soaked Madagascar, with the heaviest rains in the southwest. Light rains (less than 10 mm) fell over parts of central and western South Africa, north-central Botswana, and northeastern Namibia. Satellite rainfall estimates depicted moderate to locally very heavy rains (50 to more than 200 mm) over Zambia and eastern Angola. Temperatures were generally near normal, except for 2 to 3 degrees C above normal in northeast Namibia and north-central Botswana.
  • December 1998 - December began with mostly light to moderate scattered rains, but rainfall significantly increased thereafter, leaving much of the region with above-normal monthly rainfall totals. Drought worsened in northeast Mozambique (Niassa, Cabo Delgado provinces, 15-50 mm), while heavy rains late in the month ended dryness in Madagascar (100-520 mm; 45-240% of normal). Heavy to very heavy rains (100-380 mm; 90-270% of normal) fell over northern Zimbabwe, southern and central Mozambique, and much of the eastern half of South Africa. Moderate to heavy rains (30-130 mm; 40-270%) covered the southern tip of South Africa’s Western Cape Province, Botswana, eastern Namibia, and extreme northwest Mozambique (Tete province). During the month, the seasonal rains migrated southward to boost totals in Angola, Botswana, and Namibia. Elsewhere, rainfall was light to moderate (less than 70 mm) except along the coastline of Namibia, where seasonable dryness prevailed. Satellite rainfall estimates depicted heavy rains (150-300 mm) over Zambia and eastern Angola. Temperatures were generally near normal.
  • December 21-31 1998 - Moderate to isolated heavy rains persisted over much of the region, but drought intensified over northern Mozambique. Isolated heavy rains (100-220 mm; 125-365% of normal) soaked southeast Mozambique, Malawi, and northeast Zimbabwe. Moderate rains (45-100 mm; 30-260% of normal) fell over eastern South Africa, central and south Mozambique, much of Zimbabwe, and northeastern Namibia. Rainfall was negligible to light (0-25 mm) in northern Mozambique (Niassa and Cabo Delgado provinces), worsening drought. In Botswana, rainfall amounts were variable (0-60 mm; 0-220% of normal), but above normal in the southwest. Moderate to locally very heavy rains (40-305 mm; 50-270% of normal) covered Madagascar. Light rains (less than 10 mm) fell over central and northwestern South Africa and southern Namibia. Satellite rainfall estimates depicted moderate to heavy rains (50-200 mm) over Zambia and eastern Angola. Temperatures were generally near normal.
  • December 11-20 1998 - Heavy rains persisted over much of the region, but drought extended from the northern Comoros northwestward through northern Mozambique. The belt of moderate to heavy rains (25-125 mm; 100-340% of normal) edged eastward, extending south from Zimbabwe through the eastern half of South Africa. Rainfall has been above normal in this region since late October. Moderate rains (10-80 mm; 30-335% of normal) fell over northeast Namibia, the northern half of Botswana, the coastal areas of southern Gaza and Inhambane provinces of Mozambique, and parts of eastern South Africa. In Malawi, rainfall amounts were variable (1-70 mm), but mostly below normal for the second consecutive period. Little or no rain fell in northern Mozambique, intensifying drought in Niassa, Cabo Delgado, and Nampula. Cumulative rainfall in this area has been well under 50% of normal since late October. Moderate to locally very heavy rains (20-210 mm; 20-290% of normal) soaked Madagascar, further improving conditions following earlier dryness. Four-week rainfall totals remain under 50% of normal along the east coast. Less than 10 mm of rain fell over central South Africa and southern Botswana. Satellite rainfall estimates depicted moderate rains (10-100 mm) over Zambia and northwest and southeast Angola, with an isolated area of heavy rain (100-150 mm) over southeast Angola. Estimated rainfall was below normal in central, northern, and southwestern Angola, as well as northeastern Zambia. Temperatures were generally near normal.
  • December 1-10 1998 - A belt of moderate to heavy rain (25-120 mm; 100-540% of normal) extended from Zimbabwe southward to northeast South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, and southern Mozambique, including Gaza and Inhambane provinces. Moderate to heavy rains (10-125 mm; 50-265% of normal) also fell over northeast Namibia, southern Botswana, Malawi, and central Mozambique. Moderate to locally very heavy rains (35-245mm; 95-710% of normal) soaked Madagascar, helping to eliminate deficits experienced since the rainy season began. Moderate rain (10-90 mm; 70-540% of normal) fell over South Africa’s southwestern Cape Province. Satellite rainfall estimates depicted moderate rains (10-100 mm) over Angola and much of Zambia except for isolated heavy rains (100-150 mm) over central and southeast Zambia. Above-normal rainfall in southern Africa is typical during La Nina’s from November to April. Rainfall continued spotty over the northern third of Mozambique, where amounts were mainly in the 0 to 25 mm range (0-50% of normal). Satellite estimates indicated that the driest area was Niassa province, bordering Lake Malawi. Near-drought conditions extend northward from northern Zambezia province. Temperatures were generally near normal.
  • November 1998 - Southern Africa began November with mostly light, scattered rains, but rainfall significantly increased thereafter. Rainfall was below normal over Zambia, northeast Namibia, northern Mozambique, and eastern Madagascar during November. A significant feature of the month’s rainfall pattern was abnormal dryness over northern Mozambique, where some locations reported under 10 mm and 25% of normal. Moderate to heavy rains (50-300 mm; 80-255% of normal) fell over northeast South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and western Mozambique. Light to moderate rains (20-100 mm; 20-200% of normal) fell over Zambia, eastern Namibia, Madagascar, Malawi, southern Mozambique and western South Africa. Temperatures were near normal over much of southern Africa.
  • November 21-30 1998 - The rains expanded northeastward, relieving dryness in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and large areas of Mozambique and Malawi, but northern Mozambique continued to report scanty rains (less than 10 mm). During the past 4 weeks, northern Mozambique has measured less than 50% of their normal rainfall. Moderate to isolated heavy rains (50-120 mm; 40-355% of normal) fell over Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa. Between 10 and 90 mm (30-335% of normal) of precipitation fell over Gauteng (northeastern) and Free State provinces of South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. In Zimbabwe, quite heavy rains (25-100 mm) fell over major crop areas. In contrast, below-normal rains (10-25 mm) fell on western and southern border areas. Moderate to locally heavy rainfall (50-110 mm; 120-595% of normal) replenished soil moisture over previously dry areas of Inhambane province in southern Mozambique, eastern Zambia, and Malawi. Generally light rains (10-30 mm) fell over northeastern Namibia and Botswana. In Madagascar, an isolated 100 mm fell over the northwest, and light to moderate rains (15-45 mm) fell over scattered areas, but generally below-normal rains dominated. Meteosat-based rainfall estimates depicted light to moderate rains (10-100 mm) over Angola and western Zambia, but these were below-normal amounts. Temperatures were generally near normal.
  • November 11-20 1998 - A broad swath of rain fell from Botswana and Zimbabwe southward through South Africa, resulting in a general increase in precipitation from the previous 10-day period. Moderate to locally heavy rains (50-115 mm; 140-395% of normal) soaked east-central South Africa and Lesotho. A damaging tornado reportedly raked Harrismith, South Africa, 300 km southeast of Johannesburg. Moderate rains (50-75 mm) fell over eastern Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal (southeastern), and Free State provinces of South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Between 10 and 30 mm of rain fell over South Africa's southwestern Cape province. Generally light to moderate rains reduced deficits over the northern half of Zimbabwe, including the major crop zones, and adjacent parts of southern Zambia. However, Madagascar continued to report below-normal rains, an exception being the north-central parts, where isolated moderate rains (35-80 mm; 30-150% of normal) fell. Scanty rains (less than 10 mm) fell over northern Mozambique and Inhambane province in the south. Rainfall was abnormally light (0-10 mm) for the second straight period from Tete province in northwest Mozambique through Malawi, Eastern Zambia, and central and eastern Tanzania. Little or no rain has fallen over western Namibia since the beginning of the rainy season. Satellite rainfall estimates depicted moderate rains (25-100 mm) over Angola and all but eastern parts of Zambia. Temperatures were generally within 1 degree C of normal except for 2 to 4 degree positive departures in central and eastern South Africa.
  • November 1-10 1998 - Rainfall activity persisted as scattered rains fell over most areas. Light to moderate rains (5-60 mm; 40-340% of normal) fell in northeastern Namibia, western Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, Gauteng (northeastern), Kwazulu-Natal (southeastern), and Free State provinces of South Africa, and Swaziland. Similar amounts fell over South Africa's southwestern Cape province, which had been seasonably dry. Over southern Zimbabwe, the moisture eased long-term drought. Rainfall continued negligible over the northern half of Zimbabwe, including the major crop zones, where October was also drier-than-normal. The dry conditions extend to adjacent parts of southern Zambia and northwestern Mozambique. Parts of southern Mozambique have also been dry. Madagascar reported below-normal rains, an exception being the southern and northern parts, where isolated moderate rains fell (40-65 mm; 120-280% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates depicted moderate rains (25-100 mm) over Angola and western Zambia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C lower than normal, but 1 to 3 degrees C higher than normal over Zimbabwe.
  • October 1998 - Southern Africa experienced an early start to the rainy season as scattered rains fell over several countries. Light to moderate rains (25-120 mm; 65-150% of normal) fell over most of South Africa's summer rainfall region, Swaziland, Lesotho, southern Zimbabwe, southeastern Botswana, and southern Mozambique. Along eastern Madagascar, light rains were reported. The rest of the region recorded fewer than 20 mm of rain. Temperatures were near normal over much of southern Africa.
  • October 21-31 1998 - Rainfall activity persisted, albeit weaker than the previous 10-day period. Light to moderate rains (5-40 mm; 30-230% of normal) fell over northeastern Namibia, western Botswana, Gauteng (northeastern), Kwazulu-Natal (southeastern), and Free State provinces of South Africa, and Swaziland. Previously dry areas of northern and central Mozambique also reported moderate rainfall. Light to moderate rains (5-35 mm) fell over eastern Madagascar. Meteosat-based rainfall estimates depicted moderate to heavy rains over much of Angola. The rest of the region remained seasonably dry. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C above normal, but close to normal over Madagascar.
  • October 11-20 1998 - Repeated episodes of moderate and above-normal rains (20-90 mm; 130-410% of normal) have affected Gauteng (northeastern), Kwazulu-Natal (southeastern), and Free State provinces of South Africa, and Swaziland. Previously dry areas of southern Mozambique, southern Zimbabwe and southeastern Botswana also reported moderate rainfall. Less than 20 mm of rain fell over eastern Madagascar, with similar amounts over South Africa's Cape province. Meteosat-based rainfall estimates depicted moderate rains over much of Angola. The rest of the region remained seasonably dry. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below normal but 1 to 3 degrees C higher than normal over the Cape.
  • October 1-10 1998 - An increase in the amount and distribution of rain occurred, confirming the early onset of the rainy season. Moderate rains (20-70 mm) covered Gauteng (northeastern), Kwazulu- Natal (southeastern), and Free State (central) provinces of South Africa, as well as Lesotho and Swaziland. These amounts were well above normal in the Free State (200-350%) and locally along the Kwazulu-Natal coast (up to 230%). Light to moderate rains (10-35 mm; 40-140% of normal) fell over eastern Madagascar. The rest of the region remained seasonably dry. Rains moved into north and central Angola on schedule, but satellite images suggest amounts were below normal. Temperatures were generally near normal but 2 to 4 degrees higher than normal over Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
  • September 1998 - Seasonably dry conditions continued to prevail except for northeastern South Africa (Transvaal) and along the Cape and eastern coasts of South Africa, where moderate amounts were recorded (50-140 mm). Over the eastern coast of Madagascar, moderate to heavy rains (60-240 mm) persisted. Temperatures were generally near normal except for Zambia, where they averaged 2 to 5 degrees C below normal.
  • September 21-30 1998 - Moderate rains (20-80 mm; 20-420% of normal) fell over northeastern South Africa (Northern Province), Swaziland, and Cape and eastern (Kwazulu-Natal) coasts, marking an early onset of the rainy season. Over eastern Madagascar, moderate rains (15-60 mm; 30-165% of normal) fell. Temperatures averaged 1 to 6 degrees C below normal over Zambia and southwestern (Cape) South Africa and 1 to 3 degrees C above normal elsewhere.
  • September 11-20 1998 - A slight increase in the amount and distribution of rain occurred. Unseasonable rains of 5 to 25 mm covered southeast Namibia, southwest Botswana, and western South Africa. Normal rainfall is only 1 to 3 mm for this region. Over eastern Madagascar, moderate to heavy rains (15-145 mm; 50-540% of normal) fell. Eastern South Africa, Swaziland, and southern Mozambique reported less than 30 mm of rainfall. The rest of the region remained dry. Temperatures averaged 2 to 4 degrees C above normal over Namibia, western South Africa, and Swaziland, and 1 to 3 degrees C below normal over eastern South Africa and central Zambia.
  • September 1-10 1998 - Southern Africa continued seasonably dry with light to moderate rains in South Africa along the western Cape coast and southeastern coast, as well as Swaziland and southern Mozambique. Over eastern Madagascar, rainfall remained moderate (10-108 mm; 50-300% of normal). Temperatures averaged 2 to 4 degrees C above normal over Zimbabwe, northeastern South Africa, and Swaziland, and 2 to 6 degrees C below normal over Zambia.
  • August 1998 - Seasonably dry conditions prevailed except for South Africa's Cape province and eastern coast, as well as coastal Mozambique, which reported light to moderate rainfall (20-50 mm). Moderate to heavy rains (50-276 mm; 70-160% of normal) fell over the eastern coast of Madagascar. Temperatures were generally near normal except for Zambia, where they ranged from 1 to 2 degrees C below normal. Above-normal readings during mid-month in Zimbabwe gave way to seasonal temperatures late in the month.
  • August 21-31 1998 - Southern Africa remained seasonably dry with light to moderate rains (10-60 mm; 25 to 300% of normal) reported along the eastern coast areas of South Africa. Over the eastern coast of Madagascar, rainfall picked up and was moderate to heavy (20-140 mm; 25-200% of normal). Temperatures dropped to near normal over Zimbabwe and below normal (1 to 2 degrees C) across the rest of southern Africa except for western Namibia and northern Zambia, where they averaged 2 to 4 degrees C and 1 to 5 degrees C above normal, respectively.
  • August 11-20 1998 - Seasonably dry except for light to moderate rainfall along the cape of South Africa. Temperatures remained 2 to 3 degrees C above normal from Zimbabwe to Namibia. The heat was significant in southern Zimbabwe, where pastures have been affected by earlier drought.
  • August 1-10 1998-Southern Africa remained seasonably dry except for light to moderate rainfall along the cape of South Africa and the shores of Mozambique.
  • July 1998-In southern Africa, seasonably dry conditions prevailed except in South Africa's Cape Province, which reported typical winter rainfall (10-30 mm) and the eastern coast of Madagascar (70-480 mm; 40-140% of normal). Temperatures averaged within 1 to 2 degrees C of normal, except in Zambia (1 to 3 degrees C below normal).
  • July 21-31 1998-As expected, most of southern Africa remained seasonably dry, with light rains of around 10 mm over South Africa's Cape province and Durban. Rainfall intensity eased over Madagascar's eastern coast, where amounts ranged from 20 to 90 mm. Temperatures averaged 3 to 5 degrees C below normal in northern Zambia, but were near normal elsewhere.
  • July 11-20 1998-Most of southern Africa continued to be seasonably dry. For the second consecutive 10-day period, South Africa's Cape Province saw rains ranging from 10 to 35 mm. Rainfall intensity increased significantly over Madagascar's eastern coast, where amounts ranged from 80 to 350 mm (120-400% of normal).
  • July 1-10 1998-Southern Africa remained seasonably dry except for above-normal rains (10-35 mm; 75-275% of normal) in South Africa's Cape Province.

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