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Garth Sampson

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Garth Sampson

AI generated image of Weather Guru working on a non-existent weather station at Churchill dam
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Will AI make weather forecasters redundant?

The article explores whether AI could replace human weather forecasters, noting advancements in AI-driven forecasting models like Meteoblue and the importance of accurate data and computing power.

A map showing where lightning strikes occurred on September 3

Buffalo thorn branches will not protect you against lightning

Early spring brought rare lightning to the metro, historically seen as a sign of a wet summer, though modern forecasts predict otherwise. South Africa faces high lightning risks, especially in rural areas

Steams are flowing strongly due to recent rains, but El Nino could change that
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Mr Newton’s logic still holds up today

The article reflects on recent and historical natural disasters, drawing parallels between cinematic depictions and real-life catastrophes such as the Nepal disaster and local floods, while emphasizing Newton’s Third Law

Peach blossoms are blooming in the Langkloof

Langkloof still counting cost of devastating floods

In a very saturated Langkloof, any rainfall now turns farm roads into mud baths and docile streams into running rivers again, with water still being fed to the overflowing Kouga and Churchill dams.

World War 2 veterans attend an international commemorative ceremony for the 82nd anniversary of “D-Day” Normandy landings in Langrune-sur-Mer, northwestern France, on June 6 2026

WEATHER GURU | When weather forecasting became script for a Hollywood movie

The success of the D-Day invasion hinged not only on military strategy, but on one meteorologist's courage to make the right call.

A winter scene as the clouds roll in behind a windmill. Picture:

WEATHER GURU | Europe sweltering while it’s a mild winter in Nelson Mandela Bay

While Europe is experiencing one of the worst heatwaves on record, with 1,300 deaths linked to the event, we are experiencing some lovely mild winter weather at the southern tip of Africa

Maitland in 1981

WEATHER GURU | It seems that our water woes are here to stay

Anger and frustration levels must be at an all-time high, with outages now becoming the norm rather than the exception.

A photo taken many years ago at the Weather Office of the sundog phenomenon, also known as a halo.  Picture: THE HERALD

WEATHER GURU | Sundogs, sun pillars and halos, but no Englishman in the midday sun

Strange clouds and glowing rings in the winter sky may look mysterious, but they are natural optical phenomena.

Construction vehicles in action at the Assegaaibosch bridge

WEATHER GURU | Cyclone approaching Nelson Mandela Bay? Always check your sources

Enough is enough when it comes to rain in the Eastern Cape

The Assegaaibosch bridge has been severely damaged by the flooding

WEATHER GURU | Mopping up operations put on hold as heavy rains return to Eastern Cape

Just when everybody thought it was safe to go back in the water, excuse the pun, disaster is once again on our doorstep.

Gardens are flourishing at the moment in Gqeberha and surrounding areas

WEATHER GURU | Abundance at present, but for how long?

Judging by this beautiful autumn weather we are experiencing, who can believe that a few weeks ago we were witnessing the destructive forces of nature.

A 4x4 group of enthusiasts from Gqeberha undertake an epic journey to organise much-needed supplies for communities cut off by flooding on the western side of the Baviaanskloof.  Picture:

WEATHER GURU | Communities rally in face of adversity caused by catastrophic weather

No matter how diverse people are, when tragedy strikes communities from all walks of life seem to come together to assist each other

Impofu dam as it looks after the heavy rains. Picture:

WEATHER GURU | Low dam levels prevented a far worse disaster

While most were celebrating the overflowing local dams, the farmers of the Gamtoos Valley and residents of the lower Gamtoos were counting the costs of the damage caused by the devastating floods.

Damage to the R62

WEATHER GURU | One in a hundred-year storm hits the Eastern Cape

Whenever there is heavy rain, the wise choice is to stay off the roads to be sure you are safe.

A reader captures the dark clouds of the thunderstorm over KuGompo City

WEATHER GURU | Hail, thunderbolts and lightning — very, very frightening

Hail in Gqeberha, thunderstorm in KuGompo City - weather events aplenty in the Eastern Cape