South Africa's Cape Town sees record rainfall in July

Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, and other southwestern parts of the country received a record amount of rain in July, according to the national weather forecaster.

"July 2024 saw record-breaking rainfall totals in some areas of the southwestern parts of South Africa, following a slow start to the winter rainfall season," the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said in a statement on Monday.

Beginning in June, rainfall accumulation was notably below normal, consistent with seasonal forecasts of a drier winter. However, the landscape changed drastically in July as a series of cold fronts swept through the region, some of which brought severe weather conditions and substantial rainfall.

The SAWS said an analysis of rainfall data from its stations reveals that the Cape Town City station recorded 317.6 millimeters of rain in July, far exceeding the long-term average of 128.0 millimeters for the month. The Cape Town International Airport station recorded the highest monthly rainfall total since the station's inception in July 1956, exceeding three times the average for July.

According to the SAWS, a further examination of rainfall stations managed by the Cape Town Weather Office indicates that most recorded well-above-average rainfall during July, with some stations breaking longstanding records.

The SAWS noted that widespread damage was reported since the start of July in the Western Cape Province, where Cape Town is located.

The South African government is in the process of setting up a climate response fund to pay for the strengthening of infrastructure against extreme weather and restore damaged bridges and roads, according to local media reports.