Seasonal hydrological forecasting - current state of play

Abstract

South Africa’s dependence on dam-based storage of water, coupled with its variable climate, underlines the importance for seasonal forecasts of water resources (predictions of climate and water resources issued three to six months into the future), and the mainstreaming of these forecasts into water resources management. Piotr Wolski, Chris Lennard, Chris Jack, and Mark Tadross of the Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG) at the University of Cape Town provide a look at the current status of seasonal hydrological forecasting in South Africa. As highlighted by the current situation in the Western Cape, managing and preparing for drought events requires a comprehensive strategy addressing all aspects of water resources management. Planning and preparedness at seasonal and annual time scales plays an important part of that strategy.

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