Regional Climate Summaries: Australia
Seasonal Summaries: September - November
Table of Contents
In southern Africa the rainy season typically lasts from October to April and reaches maximum strength between December and February. Most of the region receives more than 75% of its mean annual precipitation, and parts of south-central Africa record over 90% of their mean annual rainfall total during this seven-month period. Significant precipitation is unusual throughout the region after mid-May.
As a whole, southern African received near-normal rainfall during the 1993/94 rainy season, following two years of significantly below-normal rainfall (Fig. 4.1). Seasonal rainfall totals exceeded 750 mm across parts of southeastern Africa (Fig. 4.2). Above-normal rainfall was observed over much of South Africa and north-central parts of southern Africa, with more than twice the normal seasonal total falling on parts of central and western South Africa (Fig. 4.3). However, rainy season totals were primarily below normal from eastern South Africa northeastward and over parts of southwestern Africa, where some locations recorded under 75% of normal wet season rainfall totals.
During the early part of the wet season, abundant rains fell on central and northwestern parts of southern Africa. Much of this area received monthly totals that were among the highest 10% of the 1961-1990 historical distribution. Additionally, weekly rainfall totals averaged 25-75 mm throughout the eastern half of South Africa during the period. In contrast, below-normal rainfall was observed farther south and east, where totals during October were among the driest 10% on record.
During December, dry weather was reported in northeastern areas while moisture surpluses accumulated along the central South African coast. Near to slightly above-normal precipitation totals were reported elsewhere. In January, the area of above-normal precipitation shifted westward and covered the western half of southern Africa.
During February and early March, abnormally dry conditions covered much of the northeastern quarter of the region. In contrast, surplus precipitation fell on most locations across the central, western, and southern sections of southern Africa, with many areas among the wettest 10% of mid-January-early March periods on record. The wet season came to an early end over most of southern Africa, with no significant widespread rainfall reported across much of the region during March and April.
The onset of the 1994/95 rainy season was dominated by very dry conditions in southern Africa. During October and November 1994, rainfall totals were less than 50% of normal over much of the northern and western parts of southern Africa. Elsewhere, rainfall totals were near or slightly below normal. During December, near-normal to above-normal rains covered southern and eastern areas. Elsewhere, rainfall deficits continued through the end of the year.
Regional Climate Summaries: Australia
Seasonal Summaries: September - November
Table of Contents
