Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 10 July 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# July rainfall records have been broken in the Western Cape, due to a series of cold fronts that have led to gusty winds, heavy snowfall and rain. New rainfall records for July have been broken at weather stations in Elim, Swellendam and Tulbagh. Elim got its highest rainfall in eight years at 70.2 millimetres, Tulbagh 69.8 and Swellendam 30.4. Meteorologist Annette Botha says while temperatures in the east are expected to recover, the Western Cape will face two more cold fronts this week.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape government is on high alert as the South African Weather Service has upgraded rain predictions to a level eight warning for Cape Town, Drakenstein, and Stellenbosch today. Anticipated rainfall of 40 to 60 millimetres, possibly reaching 100 millimetres in mountainous areas, raises flood, mudslide, and rockfall concerns. National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Craig Lambinon says people reliant on ventilators are seeking refuge and charging facilities at their station as severe weather has cut off Struisbaai:

# And, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation warns that climate change can lead to higher conflict levels, instability, and disruptions in global supply chains. In its 2024 Climate Change and Security Impact Assessment report, Nato highlights the impact of climate change. The report examines the impact of climate change on each of Nato’s operating domains, sea, land, air, space and cyber, as well as on its missions and operations. Nato says direct hazards associated with climate change, such as heatwaves, floods, and fires, are likely to impact military equipment, weapon systems and installations.

Stay tuned for more news………….