Fiery 2014 the driest on record
Dire drought forecast after worst fires and lowest rainfall since 1938
ZULULAND last year recorded its lowest ever annual rainfall figure according to records that go back to 1938.
And prospects of relief from the current drought are dismal, based on forecast weather patterns.
That’s the report from Tony Roberts of the KwaMbonambi-based Zululand Fire Protection Association (ZFPA), who said ‘2014 has certainly gone down in history as the driest year yet’.
‘Along the way there have been some yearly 600mm and 700mm totals, but the previous lowest rainfall recorded was in 1992 when 520mm of rainfall was recorded.
‘This past year we received just 506mm of rain.
‘Our mean average rainfall is in the order of 1 127mm per annum and we measure from January to December.
‘To date in 2015 we have had 4mm of rain, while Zulu Nyala at Hluhluwe have had 14mm over the same period,’ Roberts said on Monday.
‘Empangeni has recorded a good rainfall of 24mm in the last 24 hours, but the rain was somewhat isolated in its distribution.
‘The outlook is not looking all that great with these dry spells continuing through to February and March.
‘High temperatures of 35C and above and humidity ranging between 47 and 52% are creating, and will continue to do so, very uncomfortable weather conditions.’
Associated with the drought conditions, the ZFPA recorded a record number of 613 fires last year, surpassing the previous highest of 583 in 2009.
‘Spread of fires is a real concern. I certainly hope the rains come soon,’ said Roberts.
