Western Cape records driest July rainfall in decades

The South African Weather Service reported that July 2026 was the driest on record for the Western Cape, with Cape Town International Airport receiving only 14.4 mm of rain – the lowest total since measurements began in 1958. Other stations also set historic lows: the South African Observatory recorded 15.6 mm (its driest July in 91 years), Malmesbury 3.2 mm (lowest in 33 years), Kirstenbosch 65 mm (lowest in 29 years), Hermanus 12 mm (lowest in 21 years) and Paarl 27.6 mm (lowest in 17 years).

The unusually dry month was caused by a persistent Atlantic high‑pressure system that diverted most cold fronts south of the province, allowing only three weak frontal systems to reach the area. Despite earlier heavy rains in May and early June that boosted dam storage, the combined capacity of the Western Cape’s six main dams fell to 78.4 % by the end of July. Forecasts warn that the dry pattern is likely to continue into early August, and the service cautioned residents to conserve water as a strengthening El Niño could bring warmer, drier summer conditions.