There are renewed calls for Capetonians to use water sparingly, as data shows that parts of the Western Cape received their lowest rainfall on record in July.

Cape Town International Airport recorded its lowest rainfall since 1958. The Airport recorded only 14.4 mm, which is only about 16% of the average.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says that while severe weather systems during May and early June significantly improved dam levels, a strong blocking Atlantic high-pressure system has driven cold frontal systems further south of the province.

It adds El Niño is expected to strengthen further over the coming months, which points to the likelihood of a warmer-than-normal summer, which will cause dam levels to drop significantly.

“The south-western Cape is a winter rainfall region and receives most of its annual rainfall in June, July and August. Below-normal rainfall was observed in June and persisted into July, with several parts of the region recording their lowest rainfall on record during July.”

Some stations in the south-western parts of the Western Cape also reported their lowest rainfall since records began or their previous record.

“Several severe weather systems impacted parts of the Western Cape during May and early June 2026, which significantly improved water storage across many parts of the province. Since then, a strong blocking Atlantic high-pressure system to the west of the country has driven cold frontal systems further south of the province.”

The Service says this significantly reduced the number of cold fronts that made landfall in the Western Cape, with only three weak cold fronts moving over the south-western Cape during July.

July 2025’s rainfall data looks much better by contrast, with several cold fronts moving over the Western Cape, resulting in rainfall totals exceeding 100 mm.

“As El Niño is expected to strengthen further over the coming months, the likelihood of a warmer-than-normal summer over the Western Cape is expected to rise. Given the current uncertainty regarding rainfall during the 2027 winter season, the public is encouraged to use water sparingly in the coming months.”