With weather forecasters predicting a particularly dry summer, concerns over the amount of water stored for KwaZulu-Natal are rising.

South African Weather Service prediction research scientist Cobus Olivier says although weather predictions could not be exact, the rain prediction for summer in KZN “is not looking good”, According to a report by The Witness.

Olivier adds although KZN would have “normal to above average rainfall” for the beginning of spring, KZN would have less rain later in the season and even less going into summer.

“While we will have spring rains on the East Coast of the country during spring, it is not looking very good for summer, going into October, November and December and onwards.”

A document provided by the South African Weather Service says there is an indication that “well above normal rainfall conditions may occur over the eastern parts of the country in spring” but late spring indicated “below normal rainfall”.

The forecast predicted “mixed conditions” for the country during summer but was not specific to each province.

Water restrictions to increase

Umgeni Water spokesperson Shami Harichunder says if the weather predictions were accurate and the dry weather continued, restrictions that had been imposed in certain districts would remain and even be increased.

“People need to realise that water needs to be conserved and we cannot escape the facts of climate change and how it is affecting our water.

“If we use water sparingly now, there will be water for the future, but at present, even with the drought, water is being taken for granted.”

Msunduzi municipal spokesperson Nqobile Madonda says they are “concerned” about the current dry conditions the province is experiencing.

“The municipality will be embarking on various programmes to educate and emphasise to people the importance of using water sparingly.

“Strategies to be implemented will be communicated in due course,” says Madonda.

–News24.com