It's a windless, smoggy, suffocating day in Cape Town. Not unusual at this time of year when the seasons are unsettled, but difficult to deal with as some of us are still in winter mode, with the wrong selection of clothing in the wardrobe. Yesterday's howling southeaster brought pollen-laden gusts, swirling dust and hay fever. A frond was stripped from one of the palm trees that feature in my morning picture of Table Mountain's back table. That hasn't happened before, and I presume it was fragile after the extended drought. Even the birds are sheltering in the shade of the shrubs.
By late tonight, we are expecting the wind to be coming in freshly from the north west, accompanied by a fair amount of rain, and although it is school holidays and October, we are hoping for a wetter than usual Spring, to allow us to limp a little further through the year before the dams are critically low i.e. empty. Summer and the influx of tourists to boost the economy loom, yet for once the people of Cape Town are viewing both with trepidation. Or at least those without access to potable water from a source other than the dams. It's a challenge to confine yourself to 87 litres of water per person per day, and means less showering and fewer laundry loads. Preparation of food requires water, and pets also need the occasional bath, especially mine. It all comes down to maintenance of hygiene.
Judging by the appearance of the sea, which has absolutely no swell, the cold front must be weak. So far the forecasts for rain have brought disappointing results, with the cold fronts being pushed south by high pressure inland, and we have watched heavy rain falling over the sea - so near, yet so far. Our best bet is to hope that after the cold front passes, a heavy southeaster will blow it back for round number two!
No comments:
Post a Comment