Your El Nino Guide

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 24, 2026

Recently I was invited to a media workshop all about El Ninõ and how it will impact Durban and South Africa. Key stakeholders from eThekwini Municipality, University Professors and the South African Weather Service shared their insights.

Experts shared critical insights on El Nino, climate change, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience during the eThekwini Municipality's Media Empowerment Workshop. | Photo: Supplied. 

You might have noticed the early signs of El Ninõ already. There have been days of extreme heat recently. El Ninõ is a natural weather phenomenon that happens when the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal. This affects weather patterns across the world, including Southern Africa. During an El Ninõ period, South Africa often experiences hotter temperatures and below-average rainfall, especially during the summer seasons of rain.

For local communities in the Durban area this can mean extreme heat, reduced rainfall which leads to drought conditions, water shortages and losses of crops. El Ninõ can have a huge impact on people, agriculture, water resources and the environment.

The South African Weather Service predicts that conditions will continue for the summer season 2026/27 before easing off around March or early autumn 2027.

The 2015-2016 El Ninõ was one of the strongest recorded and resulted in severe drought in South Africa. As a result there were water shortages and agricultural losses which impacted on communities.

With droughts and water shortages this can impact on dam levels and water supply. Higher temperatures can raise health risks for those affected by heat stress. Reduced rain also affects food production and can influence prices locally. There is also the risk of wildfires in dry and hot conditions in rural and peri-urban areas.

‘’El Ninõ does not create new vulnerabilities, but it intensifies existing challenges such as water insecurity, food insecurity, health risks, and the impacts of poverty. Building climate resilience requires collaboration between government, communities, researchers, and the private sector to ensure effective adaptation and response measures,’’ said Prof Cathy Sutherland from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

For food security communities can grow water-wise vegetables and herbs, use mulching and rainwater harvesting to conserve water. Choose seasonal and locally produced foods; reduce food waste by planning meals and storing food correctly. Compost suitable food waste to return nutrients to the soil. Support local farmers and community food gardens. When there is water restrictions use water for essential household needs and food production.

Save water as much as possible, fix leaks, harvest rainwater. It’s also important to protect our rivers and wetlands.

When there are hot conditions in Durban stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine. Limit your outdoor activities between 11am and 3pm, wear light-coloured clothes and wide-brimmed hats and wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

‘’Encourage communities to plant trees,’’ said Mr Jotham Khumalo from the eThekwini Disaster Management Directorate in his presentation on eThekwini Municipality Disaster Preparedness. 

In your home close blinds during the day and use fans and air conditioning if available.

During hot days help children, the elderly and ill family or neighbours to stay cool and hydrated.

Look out for signs of headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, and rapid heartbeat these can be signs of heat stress. Seek medical help if the symptoms are bad.

To prepare and cope it is important to monitor weather forecasts and government alerts. Protect family and community members. Move valuable items to higher ground when heavy rain is expected. If floodwaters rise move to higher ground. Do not walk or drive through flooded roads or rivers.

Prevent fires and keep drainage systems clear of litter.

Keep an emergency kit handy with essential supplies.

Know your evacuation routes and emergency contact numbers.

The City has further enhanced its preparedness by updating its Disaster Risk and Response Management Plan and implementing lessons learned from previous flood events to ensure a more effective and coordinated response to further disasters.  

Follow warnings issued by the South African Weather Service and disaster management authorities.

Emergency services – Call 031 361 0000