El Niño increases wildfire and drought risks in Eswatini and South Africa

Authorities in Eswatini and South Africa are issuing warnings regarding increased wildfire risks driven by the strengthening El Niño phenomenon.

In Eswatini, the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) has urged communities to protect grazing lands. Mphikeleli Mamba of the NDRMA emphasized that preventing veld fires is critical for rural livelihoods, as livestock depend on available vegetation for food and security. The World Meteorological Organisation has noted that El Niño is expected to influence global temperatures and rainfall, with Southern Africa facing risks of extreme heat and below-average rainfall.

In South Africa’s Western Cape, officials have extended the wildfire planning season from four months to an eight-month period, spanning from October to May. This shift responds to scientific projections of hotter conditions and changing rainfall patterns. Premier Alan Winde described the situation as a “call to action,” as the province prepares for longer-lasting pressure on firefighting resources and communities. The province has allocated approximately R12 million toward wildfire response following a devastating season in late 2025.