Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 31 May 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The South African Weather Service says a well-defined cold front with potent upper air support will significantly lower day-time temperatures in parts of the country this weekend. Maximum temperatures may be below ten degrees Celcius in places over the southern high-lying areas of the Northern Cape, as well as over the central interior and Central Karoo of the Western Cape. Snowfall is expected in seven provinces, including Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

# The Cape Town region is expected to become drier due to climate change, and as a result, studies have identified a significantly increased risk of droughts as bad as the Day Zero event. This is according to a study by climate researchers Sabina Abba Omar and Stefaan Conradie. About 70-percent of the extreme winter rainfall over Cape Town occurs when cold fronts shepherd in atmospheric rivers. The researchers say the timely and widespread distribution of early warnings issued when storms are expected is essential.

# And finally: Water activists say pollution indicators from the Rietspruit and Hennops rivers that run through Centurion in Gauteng, are a major concern. Eighty-percent of the drinking water consumed comes from river systems across the country, yet most of them are polluted. Activist Tarryn Johnston says rivers face a sewage crisis, while riverbanks have become a hive of criminal activities. She adds the risk of health effects is increased when the polluted water source is used as drinking water, to irrigate crops and for washing and recreational activities.

Stay tuned for more news………….