How Accurate Are SA’s Weather Warnings? SAWS Scores High in Key Climate Measurements

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) presented its 2024/25 mid-year performance to Parliament this week, showing exceptional reliability in weather predictions but struggles in air pollution tracking.

Near-Flawless Forecasts & Warnings

SAWS reported stellar performance in key areas:
99% availability of national weather forecasts
99% accuracy for airport weather warnings
98% accuracy for coastal port weather reports
93-94% success in climate data collection (exceeding its 85% target)

The agency credited its success to real-time data checks and close coordination with regional offices.

Greenhouse Gas Tracking Strong

SAWS also monitors greenhouse gas emissions, achieving:

• 94% completion in Q1
• 93% in Q2

Despite minor issues with ozone measurements, its Cape Point Global Atmosphere Watch lab maintained optimal performance.

Where SAWS Fell Short

1. Air Quality Monitoring (Only 60-67% Accurate)

SAWS missed its 80% target for air quality stations, which track:
 Industrial pollution
 Public health risks
 Environmental policy compliance

Reasons for the shortfall? Aging sensors, funding gaps, and winter data delays.

2. Revenue Below Target

SAWS fell R1 million short of its R7.2 million quarterly income goal, blaming:

• Fewer extreme weather events (reducing demand for climate data)
• Seasonal dips in service fees

SAWS Spending Breakdown (R280 Million Total)

Salaries: R149 million (53% of budget)
Travel: R13 million
Vehicle costs: R1.4 million
Retiree medical bills: R2 million
Research budget shocker: Only R70,000 spent (vs. R2.7 million on consultants)

“Saving on research was due to fewer activities,” SAWS explained.

The Bottom Line

Weather forecasts? Extremely reliable.
Air quality data? Needs urgent upgrades.
Revenue dips in winter—but core services remain strong.

“SAWS is a global leader in climate tracking, but air monitoring must improve,” analysts say.

Why This Matters for You:

• Farmers, pilots & fishermen rely on SAWS’ near-perfect forecasts.
• Pollution hotspots (like industrial zones) need better air data.
• Taxpayer funds are stretched—efficiency matters.

Final Verdict: Trust the weather app, but push for cleaner air oversight.

{Source The Citizen}

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