Rainfall in certain parts of South Africa has become more severe over the past 50 years. This is the findings of research from the University of Pretoria.

The studies were led by Charlotte McBride of the South African Weather Service among other role players.

Associate Professor in Meteorology at the university, Liesl Dyson, explains how this research can be used by local authorities to better assist communities.

“We see that there is this tendency of extremes to become more extreme, so that doesn’t necessarily mean only rainfall. It means rainfall, high rainfall values and it also means drought. It means high temperatures. It could also mean low temperatures. So, the normal is predicted to become at the lower frequency of occurrence.”

PODCAST | Research shows that rainfall in certain parts of SA has become more extreme over the past 50 years: