The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says the Western Cape experienced exceptionally low rainfall in July, with some areas recording their driest July on record.
SAWS forecaster Samkelisiwe Thwala said below-normal rainfall, which began in June, persisted throughout July, with preliminary data showing that Cape Town International Airport recorded just 14.4mm of rainfall for the month – the lowest July total since records began there in 1958.
Thwala said while several severe weather systems during May and early June significantly improved dam levels across the province, rainfall declined sharply thereafter.
“Several severe weather systems impacted parts of the Western Cape during May and early June 2026, which significantly improved water storage across many parts of the province. Since then, a strong blocking Atlantic high-pressure system to the west of the country has driven cold frontal systems further south of the province,” she said.
Looking ahead, Thwala warned that the expected strengthening of El Niño could result in warmer-than-normal conditions over the province during the coming summer months.
“As El Niño is expected to strengthen further over the coming months, the likelihood of a warmer-than-normal summer over the Western Cape is expected to rise. Given the uncertainty regarding rainfall during the 2027 winter season, the public is encouraged to use water sparingly in the upcoming months,” she said.
The Weather Service has urged residents to continue using water responsibly despite improved dam levels earlier in the year, warning that rainfall patterns remain uncertain.
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