Climate and Weather in Upington, South Africa
Upington is a city located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It is known for its hot and dry climate, with temperatures often reaching extreme highs during the summer months. Understanding the climate and weather patterns in this region is essential for residents, tourists, and businesses operating in the area. In this article, we will explore the climate and weather conditions in Upington throughout the year.
Temperature
Upington experiences a desert climate, characterized by scorching summers and mild winters. The city enjoys a high average annual temperature of around 24°C (75°F). Summers, which occur from November to March, are extremely hot, with average daily temperatures ranging from 32°C (90°F) to 38°C (100°F). During heatwaves, temperatures can even surpass 40°C (104°F).
Winters in Upington are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 20°C (68°F). However, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, especially in the months of June and July. Snowfall is rare in this region, but frost is not uncommon during the winter months.
The table below provides a summary of the average monthly temperatures in Upington:
Month | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°C) |
---|---|---|
January | 38 | 21 |
February | 37 | 20 |
March | 34 | 18 |
April | 29 | 12 |
May | 24 | 6 |
June | 21 | 2 |
July | 21 | 2 |
August | 25 | 6 |
September | 30 | 11 |
October | 33 | 15 |
November | 35 | 18 |
December | 37 | 20 |
Rainfall
Upington is one of the driest areas in South Africa, with very low annual rainfall. The region receives an average of about 200mm (8 inches) of precipitation per year, most of which falls during the summer months. The winter season is generally dry, with little to no rainfall.
The table below displays the average monthly rainfall in Upington:
Month | Rainfall (mm) |
---|---|
January | 25 |
February | 24 |
March | 17 |
April | 7 |
May | 3 |
June | 1 |
July | 0 |
August | 1 |
September | 3 |
October | 7 |
November | 14 |
December | 19 |
Sunshine
Upington is known for its abundant sunshine throughout the year. The region receives an average of 3,500 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest places in South Africa. This sunny weather contributes to the high temperatures experienced in the area.
Wind
Upington experiences relatively calm winds throughout the year, with average wind speeds ranging from 4 to 8 kilometers per hour. However, occasional stronger winds can occur during thunderstorms or weather fronts passing through the region.
Flood Risk
Due to its arid climate, Upington is not prone to frequent flooding. The low annual rainfall and flat topography of the region contribute to a low risk of flooding. However, it is important to note that heavy rains, particularly during the summer months, can cause flash floods in certain areas.
Conclusion
Upington, South Africa, experiences a hot and dry climate, with scorching summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 32°C (90°F) to 38°C (100°F) during summer and 5°C (41°F) to 20°C (68°F) during winter. The region receives minimal rainfall, with most precipitation occurring in the summer months. Upington is known for its abundant sunshine, with an average of 3,500 hours of sunshine per year. Flooding is rare in this arid region, but heavy rains can lead to flash floods in certain areas. Understanding the climate and weather patterns in Upington is crucial for residents, tourists, and businesses operating in the area.
A - Upington's Latitude is -28.447760 & Longitude is 21.256121.
A - Weather in Upington is 29° today.
A - Climate Conditions in Upington shows overcast clouds today.
A - Humidity in Upington is 15% today.
A - Wind speed in Upington is 16.02 km/h, flowing at 173° wind direction. today.