El Niño puts South Africa’s struggling water systems under pressure ahead of summer

The South African Weather Service forecasts above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall across much of the country from October to December 2026. These conditions could add pressure to water systems already weakened by infrastructure failures, water losses and unreliable municipal supplies. Lester Goldman, chief executive of the Water Institute of Southern Africa, urged authorities to assess their readiness and use forecasts to anticipate local risks. He noted that El Niño does not guarantee drought everywhere, but said municipalities should prepare for different scenarios.