From abundance to aridity — El Niño poses threat to SA’s summer grain crop

South African farmers are transitioning from a period of high agricultural output to a potentially difficult summer grain season due to the emergence of El Niño conditions. The weather phenomenon is expected to bring increased risks of severe drought and heatwaves during the latter part of the season.

This shift follows a recent strong harvest, creating a contrast between current agricultural abundance and the looming threat of arid conditions. The potential impact of these climate patterns poses a significant challenge to the stability of the upcoming grain production cycle.