{
  "id": 11848285,
  "title": "South Africa, Mozambique face prolonged dry spells due to El Niño",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/south-africa-mozambique-face-prolonged-dry-spells-due-to-el-nino",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T05:02:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/1165801-2/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa and Mozambique are anticipating prolonged dry spells due to the El Niño weather pattern, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This phenomenon could heighten the risks to agriculture, water resources, food security, and livelihoods in the region. South Africa’s Cabinet is currently reviewing a report on the potential impacts of El Niño and contemplating measures to mitigate these risks.\n\nExperts warn that this is expected to be the strongest El Niño event ever recorded, with sea surface temperature anomalies already reaching three degrees Celsius above normal in the critical section of the Pacific Ocean. Professor Francois Engelbrecht from Wits University states that this \"super El Niño\" will likely bring below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across the region.\n\nThe agricultural sector in South Africa is particularly concerned, as the government prioritizes this issue. Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni highlights the heightened risks to water resource availability and municipal water security, especially in areas already facing constrained supply or high demand. She adds that the agricultural sector faces severe consequences, with potential impacts on food production and food security.\n\nAgriSA, an agricultural organization, advises all stakeholders to remain vigilant. They point out that the warmer, drier season could pose risks for crop yields, grazing, water availability, and farm finances. However, a seasonal forecast does not confirm a drought, and its effects may vary by region. The latest Crop Estimates Committee estimate predicts a maize crop of 17.5 million tonnes for the 2024/25 season, which, along with good soil moisture and dam levels, gives South Africa a stronger starting position.\n\nThe main concern for households during this period is heatwaves, particularly in informal housing. Prof. Francois Engelbrecht warns that these heatwaves could lead to maximum temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius, with some days exceeding 40 degrees. If living conditions do not include easy access to cooling water, this situation could be life-threatening. Additionally, cyclone tracks are expected to shift southward, potentially reducing the risk of landfall in Madagascar and Mozambique.",
  "summary": "Warnings that the conditions could increase risks to agriculture, water resources, food security",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/zimbabweans-struggle-to-rebuild-after-fleeing-xenophobia-in-south",
        "published": "2026-10-04T01:55:46.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Before South Africa brings back the death penalty, it must answer the hard questions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/before-south-africa-brings-back-the-death-penalty-it-must-answer-the",
        "published": "2026-10-04T04:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}