The Western Cape experienced an extraordinary weather event in July 2024, with record-breaking rainfall that exceeded all historical records for the region. This extreme weather, marked by relentless cold fronts and intense downpours, has become a focal point for discussions about climate change and its impacts on weather patterns.
Record-Breaking Rainfall Shatters Historical Averages
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) reported that several weather stations in Cape Town and surrounding areas recorded rainfall amounts far exceeding their historical averages. Notably, the Cape Town City station in Oranjezicht registered 317.6 mm of rain, shattering the long-term average of 128.0 mm for July. This total is the highest monthly rainfall recorded for July since records began in 1960.
Similarly, the Cape Town International Airport station recorded the highest rainfall since the station’s inception in July 1956, with totals exceeding three times the average for the month. This highlights the intensity and impact of the weather systems that dominated the region throughout July.
Other areas in the Western Cape also reported record-breaking rainfall. The Newlands station at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens received over 500 mm of rain, making it the wettest month on record for this station since 1999. Stations in Franschhoek, Kenilworth, and Villiersdorp also set new records, surpassing the totals recorded during the severe storm of September 2023.
The Cape Winelands, including Paarl, Worcester, and Jonkershoek, experienced substantial rainfall, with long-term records being broken. The heavy rains caused widespread damage, including flooding, burst riverbanks, and infrastructure damage, leading to the displacement of people in various parts of the province.
Climate Change and the Rise of Extreme Weather Events
Climate researchers have noted that the intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events are becoming more common, likely influenced by global climate change. The director of the Alliance for Collaboration on Climate & Earth Systems Science (ACCESS), Dr. Neville Sweijd, emphasized that the recent extreme weather is part of a broader trend of increasingly severe weather patterns.
While it is still too early to definitively attribute this specific event to climate change, the correlation between rising global temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events is becoming clearer. The increased evaporation from warmer oceans may be contributing to the heavier rainfall experienced in the Western Cape.
As the region recovers from this record-breaking rainfall, the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather cannot be overstated. The July 2024 rainfall serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and the need for communities to be vigilant and adaptable in an era of changing climates.
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