The Stellenbosch area should expect cool to cold temperatures from 24 to 29 July. This was according to Stacy Colborne, a meteorologist for the South African Weather Service.
Despite already experiencing snowfall this winter, and snow being common in the surrounding mountains, none is predicted to fall this week, said Colborne.
The temperature will reach maximums in the mid to high teens and drop to single-digit minimums, said Colborne.
“Stellenbosch is a winter rainfall area,” stated Colborne. However, models predicted above-average rainfall this season, explained Colborne.
A lack of sunshine and wind between intense periods of rainfall, like that experienced in June, increases the chances of waterlogging in soil, said Dr Johan Malherbe, climatology and agrometeorology expert at the Agricultural Research Council. PHOTO: Amy Cloete
A chilling week
The forecast for the upcoming week started with a maximum of 16℃ and a minimum of 4℃ on Monday. Tuesday is expected to experience a maximum of 16℃ or 17℃ with a minimum of 4℃. On Wednesday a warmer maximum of 18℃ is expected, accompanied by a minimum of 10℃, with a 30% chance of rain in the afternoon.
Rainfall is also expected on Thursday afternoon, with a maximum of 15℃ and a minimum of 10℃. A maximum of between 14℃ and 15℃ is expected for Friday, with a minimum of 8℃, said Colborne. The forecast was, however, subject to change, she said.
In future, the Stellenbosch area is expected to have more extreme weather patterns due to climate change, said Dr Jan de Waal, a geography lecturer at Stellenbosch University. Stellenbosch is predicted to fluctuate between periods of droughts and flooding in the future, explained De Waal. PHOTO: Amy Cloete
Impact of rainfall
High quantities of rain can cause waterlogging, due to the soil being unable to drain quickly enough, said Dr Johan Malherbe, climatology and agrometeorology expert at the Agricultural Research Council.
With cold temperatures like those predicted for the upcoming week, evaporation will be slower, according to Malherbe. As such, the likelihood of waterlogging from lighter rainfall increases, as the soil is unable to dry, he explained. Waterlogged soil can be detrimental to crops, and is unable to absorb more water increasing the likelihood of standing water, Malherbe added.
Intensified extremes
Due to the effects of climate change, the area can expect less predictable weather patterns with intensified extremes in the future, said Dr Jan de Waal, a lecturer at the department of geography and environmental studies at Stellenbosch University.
As the Eerste River’s flow is controlled by a dam upstream, the impact of flooding is heightened, said Dr Jan de Waal, a geography lecturer at Stellenbosch University. Therefore, it is important to avoid building in low-lying areas close to the river. GRAPHIC: Amy Cloete