Calls for water conservation ahead of El Niño linked hot, dry summer

South Africa has been urged to strengthen its water security amid concerns over warmer temperatures and below-normal rainfall during the coming summer months.

The South African Weather Service has forecast above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall across much of the country from October to December 2026, raising concerns about pressure on water supplies.

WEATHER UPDATE | Here’s a look at today’s weather conditions and what to expect across the country. https://t.co/ArYoximPTA — SABC News (@SABCNews) October 13, 2026 Durban University of Technology water expert Professor Sheena Kumari Pillai says urgent action is needed to conserve water and protect limited resources.

Pillai says, “ El Niño is something that is actually coming as a warning for this summer .

So, this is nothing; it’s a natural warming of the surface of part of the Pacific Ocean.

So, what is expected for South Africa because of this is obviously a hotter summer and less rainfall.

So, this is definitely going to have a significant impact on our dams and rivers, as you know, because, let’s say, especially in Durban, we expect summer rainfall.

So, if you get less rainfall, then it’s going to have a significant impact on our water.” Video | El Niño Warning | Expert explains expected disruptions to weather patterns and impacts