Why is there snow and drought at the same time in Southern Africa?
Sep 27, 2024
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Calvin Takesure, a South African resident, shares his firsthand experience of the severe weather impacting health and daily life. He highlights the chaos caused by a heavy snowstorm, leaving many stranded and vulnerable to hypothermia. At the same time, parts of the country are grappling with drought, creating a stark contrast in climate conditions. Calvin discusses the struggles faced by waste pickers during these extremes, tying personal narratives to the broader implications of climate change on their health and livelihood.
Southern Africa is witnessing severe weather contradictions, with heavy snowfalls in South Africa occurring simultaneously with widespread drought conditions in neighboring regions.
The extreme weather events highlight urgent humanitarian crises, as vulnerable populations face health risks and survival challenges amidst unpredictable climate impacts.
Deep dives
Extreme Weather Contrasts in Southern Africa
Southern Africa is experiencing extreme weather contrasts, highlighted by drought conditions affecting neighboring countries while South Africa sees heavy snowfall. This unusual weather phenomenon has raised questions about its implications, with the South African Weather Service reporting unprecedented snowfall in several provinces. The chaos has been evident, with snowstorms causing traffic disruptions and tragically leading to fatalities due to hypothermia. Such extreme conditions are puzzling, especially as nearby regions struggle with severe drought and bushfires in response to high temperatures.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
The harsh weather has had devastating effects on vulnerable populations, particularly those living in poverty. Individuals like Kelvin and Polani, known as waste pickers, exemplify the struggle to survive amidst inclement weather, as they continue their difficult jobs despite extreme cold. Their accounts shed light on the health risks they face, with illness becoming more prevalent during such adverse conditions. Additionally, Sanele, another individual forced to beg for money, highlights the struggles of homeless people in Johannesburg, further emphasizing the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the fluctuating climate.
Climate Change and Weather Variability
The discussion touches on the broader implications of climate change as a contributing factor to these dramatic weather patterns. Weather forecasters point to the effects of El Niño, which has led to significant temperature anomalies and rainfall variability across the region. As temperatures soar in some areas while others experience rare snowfalls, this phenomenon exemplifies the unpredictability of climate impacts. The situation calls attention to the need for deeper understanding and analysis of local meteorological systems to navigate the challenges posed by climate change.
“You catch the flu time and again. Once the weather gets this bad, guaranteed, we get sick” - Calvin Takesure, South African resident
On the weekend of the 21st of September 2024, several provinces of South Africa were hit by a heavy snowstorm.
Motorists travelling on the N3, one of the national roads towards the coastal city of Durban, were stuck in traffic and forced to sleep in their vehicles.
Tragically, two people lost their lives as a result of hypothermia.
At the same time, other parts of the country experienced freezing weather conditions, leaving people who either live or work on the streets severely affected.
All of this is happening at a time when Southern Africa is experiencing a devastating drought.
Today Alan Kasujja attempts to understand why the region is hit by extremely dry and wet weather conditions simultaneously.
Guests: Lehlohonolo Thobela, Sanele Nkosi, Calvin Takesure and Pholane Polite
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