Weather and climate have both direct and indirect effects on people's health. Changes in weather and climate patterns have increased incidences of non-communicable diseases as well as the prevalence and geographic distribution of communicable diseases. The social and environmental determinants of health, such as clean air, safe drinking water, enough food, and adequate shelter, have been negatively impacted by these changes, which are predicted to become more severe and more frequent.
Biometeorological data
The biometeorological network provides valuable weather data at the district level to aid in decision-making and adaptation efforts due to adverse high-impact weather events. The collected data may support research efforts and enhance awareness in the country
Heat stress Climatology
The heat stress climatology maps based on Steadman's apparent temperature show “hotspots” or regions in South Africa that are exposed to extreme heat stress conditions.
Discomfort Index Forecasting
The Discomfort Index forecast product provides 72-hour maps that show what percentage of the population is affected by heat stress, particularly during hot seasons.
Malaria Projections
The Liverpool Malaria Model simulates the spread of malaria at a daily resolution using daily mean temperature and 10-day accumulated precipitation. The impact of future climate change on malaria in Southern Africa in the near future (2006–2035) and far future (2036–2065) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) is compared to an observed evaluation period (1981–2010).
Malaria Prediction System
The web-based malaria prediction system generates malaria risk maps and tables for effective monitoring, control, prevention and warning of malaria cases. The system incorporates climatic, environmental and socio-economic variables to enhance the implementation of appropriate and effective interventions to reduce the number of expected malaria cases and associated deaths.
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Climate Change Reference Atlas (CCRA) |
Provide a Hyperlink: https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/climatechangeatlas https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/extremeclimateindices
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Additional Information |
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Data Type |
NC, Shapefiles, Jpeg |
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File Format |
Shapefiles, Jpeg |
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Frequency |
5 years cycle |
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Thematic Application Area/ Target Market |
· All Sectors |
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Coverage |
National, Provincial and municipality |
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Dissemination Channels |
Product reports are available on the website. Raw data for further value add are available upon request and commercial terms |
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Product Benefits/Impact to end – user |
The Climate Change Reference Atlas provides a general impression of climate change scenarios compared to the present climate, at a high resolution of ~4 km. These scenarios are for various periods and emission scenarios and can assist with initial long-term planning for all climate-sensitive sectors. The information can serve as a preparatory phase for more in-depth future scenario research, relevant to a specific sector. |
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Climate Data (CD) |
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Additional Information |
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Data Type |
Text |
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File Format |
MS Excel, MSWord, Pdf |
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File Size |
Request dependant |
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Frequency |
Upon request |
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Thematic Application Area/Target Market |
· All Sectors |
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Coverage |
South Africa |
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Dissemination Channels |
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Product Benefits/Impact to end – user |
Long-term analysis, understanding of weather and climate of the area, verification of weather conditions in the area. |
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Specialized Lightning Report (SLR) |
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Additional Information |
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Data Type |
Text or Excel |
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Data Formant |
Report PDF or MSWord |
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File Size |
Small /Medium |
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Frequency |
Upon request |
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Thematic Application Area/Target Market |
· All sectors |
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Coverage |
South Africa |
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Dissemination Channels |
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Product Benefits/Impact to end – user |
To accurately determine the position and strength of a ground strike. Used to validate insurance claims. |
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Caelum |
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Additional Information |
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Data Type |
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File Format |
Word, JPEG, PDF, Video |
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File Size |
Small |
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Frequency |
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Thematic Application Area/Target Market |
· Insurance · Disaster Management centres · Academia · Consulting firms |
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Coverage |
South Africa |
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Dissemination Channels |
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Product Benefits/Impact to end – user |
· The publication provides a list of weather-related disasters used by researchers for case studies, verification studies, etc. · Used in mitigation and adaptation studies by researchers, consultants, government, etc. It is also used by disaster managers for planning purposes. |
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Human Discomfort Index (HDI) |
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Additional Information |
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Data Type |
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File Format |
Word, JPEG, PDF, Video |
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File Size |
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Frequency |
On request. This product support the Discomfort Index product issued on SAWS website. |
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Thematic Application Area/Target Market |
· Health Sector · Tourism Sector · Local and national government departments |
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Coverage |
South Africa
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Dissemination Channels |
· SAWS website · Web portal · Mobile Internet based applications · Mobile apps and SMS · News bulletin/letters · Scientific publications |
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Product Benefits/Impact to end – user |
The product provides different levels of discomfort and physiological stress that results when the different DI values are reached. For example, at an index value lower than 21°C no discomfort feeling is experienced by the population, but at an index value equals to or greater than 24°C, over 50% of the population will feel thermal discomfort. As DI values increases, the level of thermal discomfort increases. Thom’s medical emergency classification is reached when the DI value exceeded 32°C.
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