SADC region anticipates below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures for upcoming season
The Southern African Development Community SADC region is projected to experience below-normal rainfall for most countries between October 2026 and March 2027, according to the 33rd Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum held in Swakopmund from August 25 to 28. Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and parts of South Africa are specifically expected to receive below-normal rainfall from January to March 2027. For October to December 2026, most of the SADC region is also forecast to have below-normal rainfall, with exceptions in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Comoros, which may see normal to above-normal rainfall. Additionally, above-average temperatures are anticipated across most of the region from October 2026 to January 2027. Climate experts attribute this outlook to major climate drivers such as a strong El Ni帽o, the Indian Ocean Dipole, and the Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole, warning of potential water shortages and agricultural pressure. The forum emphasized that this outlook is for broad areas and three-month periods, advising national meteorological services to provide specific updates.
