July rainfall in Cape Town hit new records. (Screenshot/Facebook/JP Smith)
- Cape Town’s rainfall hit a new record in July 2024 owing to a series of cold fronts.
- The Cape Town City station recorded 317.6mm of rain in July 2024, more than double the long-term average of 128mm for the month.
- Franschhoek recorded more rainfall in July 2024 than during the September 2023 storm that led to road closures.
- For climate change news and analysis, go to News24 Climate Future.
Despite a delayed start to the rainfall season, the City of Cape Town’s overall rainfall in July 2024 has achieved new records since 1960.
In a statement issued on Monday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) noted that a series of cold fronts that hit the southwestern parts of the country in early July not only brought on cold conditions, gusty winds and snowfall but also saw new rainfall records broken.
“An analysis of rainfall data from South African Weather Service stations reveals that the Cape Town City (Oranjezicht) station recorded 317.6mm of rain in July 2024, far exceeding the long-term average of 128.0mm for this month,” the SAWS said.
“This notable total not only exceeded the historical average, but it is also the highest monthly rainfall recorded for July since comprehensive records began in 1960.”
The previous year saw only 81.8mm of rain in July.
READ | SEE | July rainfall records have already been broken in the Western Cape
Rainfall recorded at the Cape Town International Airport station – at 273.4mm – was the highest since its inception in July 1956. It exceeded the long-term average for July three times.
Rainfall recorded at the Cape Town International Airport station. (SAWS/Supplied).
Supplied
“This remarkable record underscores the intensity and impact of the multiple cold fronts experienced throughout the month,” the SAWS said.
The southwestern parts of the country were significantly wetter in July 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the SAWS.
The south-western parts of South Africa were wetter in July 2024 than the previous year. (SAWS/Supplied).
Supplied
Other stations also broke records.
“The station in Newlands at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens received over 500mm of rain for July 2024, making it the wettest month on record for this station since 1999,” the SAWS said.
The stations in Franschhoek, Kenilworth, and Villiersdorp, also set new records – surpassing the rainfall recorded for the September 2023 storm.
Franschhoek, for example, recorded rainfall of 619.2mm in July 2024. During the September heritage weekend storm last year, which flooded roads, it recorded 299mm of rainfall.
The Cape Winelands stations, including Paarl, Worcester, and Jonkershoek, also recorded substantial rainfall of 455.6mm, 209.2mm and 418mm, respectively.
Compiled by Lameez Omarjee
www.news24.com
