A little rain is expected in the Western Cape which has appreciated those few sunny days in between rainy, cold times when bees finally enter orchards (where they’re frantically working or even becoming irritable with the hunger) however, the producers claim they’re planning for the potential consequences on a rain-less El Nino summer forecast by South Africa.

Orchards of pear located in Bo-Swaarmoed (close close to Ceres) In this area, snow isn’t uncommon although it’s not always in the same timeframe as this year.

South Africa had widespread snow this past weekend as a result of a cold front which moved across the interior before reversing this morning, ahead of another winter storm.

The producers of deciduous fruit within the Western Cape say the cold that swept through the region over the weekend didn’t cause any major damage the plums, peaches cherries, nectarines and peaches are either blooming or have already gone through bloom.

The snow isn’t causing any significant harm yet dams are stocked However, frosty conditions accompanying it pose greater risk for young fruits.

“We don’t have any issues due to the cold,” is a nursery farmer from the Boland. “As long as we have at least a few days of sunshine between, it should be fine. But I’m more concerned about those days when it gets excessively warm.”

In October, the country experienced an early heatwave across the interior. It hampered the farmers’ ability to get their irrigation watered under power constraints.

The producers have been advised to prepare for a summer with lower than average rainfall as well as high temperatures.