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It is very common for humans to look forward to warmer and sun filled days in spring, but according to Kevin Rae, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Chief Forecaster at the South African Weather Services (SAWS), we need to be cognizant of the Spring season rather being a gradual transition from the long chilly nights and short mild to cold days of the Winter season.

“From a planetary seasonal perspective there is unfortunately NO particular significance attached to 01 September. In the southern hemisphere, 21 June is the time of the Winter solstice, marking the date of occurrence of the shortest day and the longest night. We then progress to the Spring equinox on 23 September each year. This is a more significant and useful date to celebrate, as it marks a time of equal length of day and night, as the days continue to lengthen (with night time hours shortening accordingly). Mid-summer (ie the summer solstice) occur on 21 December each year in the southern hemisphere. Predictably, this is the time when our length of day is at its maximum and nights are the shortest.” Explained Rae to The VIP Team.

It is said that it should not come as a surprise that the month of September, and throughout the spring season, is filled with a variation in temperatures. Essentially, it means that the general public should take such variations in weather in their stride; knowing that spells of warmer, hotter weather will inevitably be followed by spells of cooler weather, as we are now experiencing.

“The current weather condition prevailing today 1 September 2020; whilst undeniably cold, cloudy and windy over much of the country, are certainly not the coldest on record. Early in September 1981, Pretoria and Centurion experienced light snow. More recently, I am sure the public can recall the widespread snowfall over Gauteng on 07 August 2012.” Explained Rae.

Rae has urged the public countrywide “not to pack away their proverbial winter woollies, blankets and heaters just yet!” The good news is that, according to SAWS, the majority of the country can look forward to sunnier, warmer conditions towards Thursday, 03 September, and Friday, September.

-The VIP Team

-SAWS

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