GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The South African Weather Service is painting a dismal rainfall picture for Graaff-Reinet and surrounds over the next three months, despite promising clouds that gathered over the town last week.

In the end, the clouds only served to intensify residents' yearning for rain, as there is no good news for the region. Reducing livestock and laying off personnel seem to be farmers' and farmworkers' new reality.

According to Lelo Kleinbooi, a forecaster at the Port Elizabeth (PE) weather office, below average and normal rainfall is expected. 

Kleinbooi told the Advertiser that, although forecasts are not infallible, it is unlikely that the weather service will be able to give locals anything to get excited about soon. 

Kleinbooi said that only 0.6mm rain was measured in Graaff-Reinet since the beginning of November. On 12 November, 0.1mm was measured in town, with another 0.4mm in the period 29 November until 3 December.

A rainbow and clouds on Friday evening brought false hope to the residents of the Karoo. Photo: Christo Vermaak

The PE office predicts only a 30% chance of rain on Friday 6 December, but Sunday 8 December looks promising, with a possibility of 60% showers. However, Kleinbooi added that this is likely to be more thunder and lightning than actual rain. 

For the festive season, Kleinbooi predicts hot weather, especially in the mornings.

Dave Stern, chairperson of the Graaff-Reinet Agri District Union, is keeping a keen eye on the weather forecast, and is not optimistic. "Next, we will have to reduce stock. Then, sadly, we will have to lay off personnel," he said.

Stern says farmers' income is becoming less and less. "The situation is critical."

Ali Sabley, project manager of Gift of the Givers, confirmed that they are planning to bring more fodder and grain to Graaff-Reinet.

Gift of the Givers started providing water and general aid to Graaff-Reinet residents and farmers on 1 October.

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