There is an old saying that there is a calm before a storm, also one that says there is always a calm after a storm.
Sticking to the meteorological aspects of the discussion, and laying the philosophical meanings aside, this highlights the atmosphere’s constant state of flux and its constant quest to stabilise.
This is not just a saying, but a fact based on scientific principles in meteorology.
Over the weekend, we saw the most beautiful autumn weather one could wish for, though for some of us temperatures were a bit too high for comfort.
The classic berg wind conditions came into play here, with a high pressure dominating the interior and a low pressure at the coast.
The flow is always from high to low, and air heats as it descends at a rate of roughly 1°C per 100m, hence with the descending air from the Rand at over 1,000m, it will heat up considerably by the time it reaches the coast.
One must remember that this is not only a hot wind, but also an extremely dry wind, which is ideal for the start and spread of runaway fires.
After a berg wind, one can expect the onset of a westerly flow that can fan any already burning fire.
Many a controlled burn has gone wrong when a landowner did not consult the latest local weather forecast.
Picnickers and campers are also culprits for not completely extinguishing fires.
When it comes to disasters, photos are a constant reminder that constantly jogs our memories, yet we become more complacent as time passes and I would dare to say, more careless.
It is going on eight years since in the winter of 2017 we saw the devastating fires raging from the Garden Route through Thornhill and Woodridge, to the outskirts of the Bay.
I highlight the fact that it occurred during winter, which is traditionally the dry season over the interior, with deciduous trees going into sleep mode and the veld generally dry.
Add to that berg wind conditions, followed by strong westerly blasts and we have a recipe for disaster.
In 2002, at the beginning of summer, we saw the imminent threat of widespread and devastating fires within the boundaries of our metro.
It tested the resources of our fire department, with a lot of imported assistance to save lives and property.
To say that the city was lucky not to suffer the same fate as Knysna or Woodridge in 2022 would be an understatement.
Yet the fuel of these fires, alien vegetation, is not only spreading rampantly in the Baakens and on all open plots, but is also encroaching on our roads.
Overgrown plots and pavements have become the norm in our metro.
In the past, landowners were forced to keep their vacant plots tidy so as not to become fire hazards.
Judging by the number of vacant plots posing major fire hazards, these bylaws are not being applied.
If these bylaws are not enforced, how then can we have any expectations that our officials will keep municipal land free of alien vegetation and thereby reducing threats of fire.
Besides being a fire hazard, these aliens block waterways and prevent the free flow of water, increasing the risk of flooding.
The lack of street sweeping and drain cleaning further increases this risk.
With all recent concentration on the drought, gone are the memories of the 2006 flooding in the metro and all the risks that are associated with such events.
The lessons of mistakes that were made are there and open for all to see, especially our authorities, but as they say, none are so blind as those who do not want to see.
Our largest stormwater drain, the Baakens, is bursting at the seams with alien vegetation, yet the powers-that-be keep turning a blind eye to both the fire and flooding threat it poses.
My wife always asks me why I waste my time and keep pumping this narrative.
I have often asked the same question, but low and behold just this morning I get an invitation from the business chamber as guest speaker at the launching of a new initiative to address these risks, which they will be announcing shortly.
I think that though our authorities are not taking these risks seriously, big business has seen the consequences with the Durban Toyota flooding in 2022 and all the damage caused with continual flooding over Gauteng, KwaZulku-Natal and surrounds.
We are entering winter, which is traditionally our flooding and fire season, and we should not be complacent that we have had no threats over the last few years.
Floods, galeforce winds and berg winds (fuelling fires) are part of the weather history of the Bay.
Add to this the warnings of the advocates of climate change about severe events being worse in the future and we have an imminent recipe for disaster.
Being proactive can save so many lives and prevent so much damage and destruction of property.
Being complacent is going to lead to some nasty surprises.
Big business can save their assets, but it is our authorities that must protect the underprivileged from these risks.
This week in history:
1976 Floods reported in the greater Humansdorp area
Dam Levels
70.8% slightly up from previous week’s 70.76%. Impofu was slightly down to 53.72%
Weather Safety Tips:
A fire that is not completely extinguished can flare up again when the wind picks up the next morning and can cause a disaster.
Now on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: WEATHER GURU
Email: info@wgawx.co.za with feedback or requests
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.