Harare, Zimbabwe – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has released its seasonal rainfall forecast for the upcoming 2024/2025 period. The forecast was presented at the 29th Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) held in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The SARCOF, attended by climate experts, scientists, and representatives from various sectors, is a biannual event that provides crucial insights into climate variability patterns and the implications for the region. It also serves as a platform for developing early warning systems and promoting evidence-based decision-making.
The 29th SARCOF focused on the theme “At the frontline of climate action towards improved climate services in the SADC Region.” The forum emphasized the importance of enhancing national meteorological and hydrological services to effectively implement the National Framework for Water and Climate Services.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Dr. Sithembiso G.G. Nyoni, stressed the need for continuous monitoring of weather and climate risks, including the evolving La Nina event. She urged climate experts to incorporate additional parameters into their forecasts, such as the rainfall onset and cessation, as well as dry day periods.
The SARCOF highlighted the devastating impact of extreme weather events, erratic rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts on the region’s ecosystems, food security, and socio-economic stability.
The SADC Director of Infrastructure, Ms. Mapolao Mokoena, emphasized the crucial role of SARCOF in providing practical scientific tools and methods for delivering seasonal forecasts. She noted the importance of these forecasts for decision-making across various sectors, including health, energy, water, and food security.
Ms. Mokoena highlighted the region’s ongoing drought conditions, delayed rains, prolonged dry spells, and extreme high temperatures. She also mentioned the alarming food insecurity levels, with 17.1% of the population affected, compared to 57.1% in 2023.
The EU Delegation to Botswana and SADC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting climate interventions in the region through the ClimSA Programme. This initiative aims to strengthen capacity and build resilience against climate risks.
The meeting concluded with the release of the rainfall seasonal forecast for the upcoming period, spanning from October 2024 to March 2025.
