Unit 6: Synoptic Scale circulations in RSA

Southern African Synoptic Circulation Patterns and Weather

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📘 Synoptic-Scale Circulation in South

Africa – Explained for Beginners

🔍 What Is Synoptic-Scale Circulation?

🌀 Definition:

Synoptic-scale circulation refers to large-scale patterns in the atmosphere that affect

weather over hundreds to thousands of kilometers and can last for several days.

Think of it as the “big picture” of the atmosphere — the systems we see on weather maps like
highs, lows, and fronts.

🌍 Why Does It Matter in South Africa?

South Africa’s weather is influenced by both tropical and temperate systems. Because the
country lies in a transition zone between two major global wind systems, it's affected by
different circulation patterns throughout the year.

🗺️1. General Synoptic-Scale Circulation Over South Africa

🌐 What does "general circulation" mean?

It refers to the average or typical patterns of wind and pressure systems in the
atmosphere.

🧭 Over Southern Africa:

 Influenced by two major belts:

o Subtropical High-Pressure Belt: Dry, descending air (mostly clear skies)
 o Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): Where moist tropical air meets —
leads to thunderstorms/rain
 Seasonal changes shift these systems north and south.

🌞 In Summer:

 The ITCZ moves southward, bringing rain to the interior.

 A continental low pressure forms over the land due to heating.

❄️In Winter:

 The westerly winds move northward.

 Mid-latitude cyclones (cold fronts) affect the southwestern Cape.

🌬️2. Main Features of South Africa’s Atmospheric Circulation

Here are the major systems:

1. South Atlantic High

 A high-pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean

 Brings dry, stable air to the west coast

2. South Indian High

 A similar high-pressure system over the Indian Ocean

 Affects eastern South Africa, especially with moisture and cloud formation

3. Tropical Easterly Flow

 Winds from the east in the tropics

 Can bring moist, warm air and sometimes tropical disturbances

4. Westerly Flow

 Winds from the west in the mid-latitudes

 Bring cold fronts and rain, especially in winter

🌤️3. Weather Types in South Africa and Circulation Patterns

🔆 Fine Weather:

 Controlled by high-pressure systems (subsiding air = clear skies)

 Especially common in the interior plateau (e.g., Free State)
🌦️Mildly Disturbed Weather:

 Slight changes like weak cold fronts or local thunderstorms

 Short-lived, light rain or cloudiness

🌩️Thunderstorms:

 Linked to low-pressure areas and tropical moisture

 Common in summer in the Highveld and northeastern regions

🌪️4. Tropical Disturbances (Easterly Circulation)

📍 Where?

Affect the north and northeast parts of the country

⚡ Features:

 Originates from the Mozambique Channel or central Africa

 Includes tropical waves, lows, and cyclones
 Brings heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flooding

Example: Tropical Cyclone Dineo (2017) affected Limpopo and Mpumalanga with heavy
rain and damage.

🌬️5. Temperate Disturbances (Westerly Circulation)

📍 Where?

Affects south and southwest (e.g., Western Cape)

❄️Features:

 Includes cold fronts, mid-latitude cyclones

 Occurs mostly in winter
 Brings rain, wind, and colder temperatures

Example: Cape Town’s winter rain is mostly from these systems.

🔄 6. Main Synoptic Patterns Over South Africa

These are common large-scale weather patterns seen on synoptic charts:

Pattern Weather

High-pressure (anticyclone) Clear, dry, stable

 Pattern Weather

Low-pressure (depression) Cloudy, rainy, unstable

Cold front Cooler, rainy, windy – especially in winter

Tropical low Thunderstorms, humidity, flooding

🌦️7. Predicting Weather and Agriculture

Understanding synoptic systems helps in:

 Weather forecasts
 Agricultural planning (e.g., when to plant crops or expect rain)
 Disaster preparation (e.g., floods, droughts)

🔄 8. Year-to-Year Variations

 Weather patterns shift based on ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation)

o El Niño = Drier conditions in parts of SA
o La Niña = Wetter summer rainfall areas
 These cause climate variability and affect crop yields and water supply.

🌍 9. Climate Change and Synoptic Patterns

 May shift pressure belts, storm tracks, and rainfall zones

 Could lead to:
o More extreme weather
o Longer droughts
o Heavier rain in short periods

🧠 REFLECTION QUESTIONS (EXPLAINED)

1. What are synoptic-scale circulation patterns and how do they impact the
weather of South Africa?
→ They are large atmospheric systems (e.g., highs, lows, fronts) that determine rain,
wind, and temperature patterns across SA.
2. How does general circulation affect South Africa’s climate?
→ Shifting pressure systems and winds control where and when it rains or stays dry,
especially between seasons.
3. How do weather types link to circulation?
→ Fine weather = highs; storms = lows or cold fronts; floods = tropical disturbances.
 4. Why does fine weather occur?
→ Stable, sinking air from high-pressure systems prevents cloud formation.
5. What’s the difference between tropical and temperate disturbances?
→ Tropical: Warm, moist, summer storms from the east.
→ Temperate: Cold, frontal systems from the southwest in winter.
6. How does this knowledge help farmers?
→ Knowing when rain is likely helps with planting, harvesting, and protecting crops
from extreme weather.
7. How does climate change affect these patterns?
→ Could make wet areas wetter, dry areas drier, and increase extreme weather events.

📚 SOURCES USED:

 Lecture Slides (Study Unit 6 PDF)

 Tyson & Preston-Whyte (2012), The Weather and Climate of Southern Africa,
Chapter 12
 SAWS (South African Weather Service)
 Synoptic Climatology: An Overview (Lee & Sheridan, 2015)

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🌍 Synoptic-Scale Circulation Over South

Africa — Explained Simply

🧠 WHAT IS SYNOPTIC-SCALE CIRCULATION?

📘 Definition:

Synoptic-scale circulation refers to large-scale weather patterns that cover hundreds to

thousands of kilometers. These systems influence daily weather such as sunny days, storms,
rain, or cold fronts.

 "Synoptic" means "overview" — like a wide-angle view of the weather.

 These patterns are usually studied using synoptic charts (weather maps) that show
pressure systems, wind direction, temperature, and rainfall.
📌 Why It Matters:

Understanding these patterns helps predict the weather, plan for farming, prepare for
floods or droughts, and understand climate variations.

🌦️THE GENERAL SYNOPTIC-SCALE CIRCULATION OVER SOUTH

AFRICA
🌍 Where It Happens:

South Africa lies between 20°S and 35°S – a region influenced by both tropical (north) and
temperate (south) systems.

🌀 Main Circulation Systems:

1. Tropical Easterlies (Northeast Trade Winds):

 Blow from the east in the tropics.

 Affect northern and eastern South Africa, especially in summer.
 Bring moisture and rainfall → e.g., summer thunderstorms.

2. Westerlies (Mid-latitude Winds):

 Blow from the west, affecting southern and western SA, mostly in winter.
 Bring cold fronts and rain to the Western Cape.

3. Subtropical High-Pressure Belt (especially the South Atlantic and South Indian
Highs):

 These are semi-permanent high-pressure systems over oceans.

 Push dry air over SA → causing clear skies, dry conditions, and stable weather.
 Example: South Atlantic High affects Namibia & West SA.
 Example: South Indian High affects KwaZulu-Natal & East SA.

🌡️MEAN CIRCULATION OVER SOUTHERN AFRICA

📘 Definition:

Mean circulation means the average weather circulation patterns over time.

💨 Features of Mean Circulation:

 Summer (Dec–Feb): Dominated by tropical systems, rising air and thunderstorms.

 Winter (Jun–Aug): Dominated by temperate systems, cold fronts from the
westerlies.
 Upper air features like anticyclones and tropical troughs also shape SA’s weather.
🧭 MAIN FEATURES OF ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
Feature Description When/Where

Anticyclones (High pressure) Bring clear, stable weather Found over land & ocean all year

Troughs (Low pressure) Bring clouds and rain Found inland during summer

Cold Fronts Bring rain, wind, cold Western Cape in winter

Cut-off Lows Bring heavy rain & floods All parts, esp. autumn/spring

Tropical Cyclones Rare but bring extreme rain East coast (Mozambique channel)

🌤️FINE WEATHER VS MILDLY DISTURBED WEATHER

✅ Fine Weather:

 Controlled by high pressure (anticyclones).

 Clear skies, sunny days, little to no rain.
 Common in winter and interior regions like Karoo.

🌥️Mildly Disturbed Weather:

 Caused by weak troughs or minor lows.

 Some clouds, light rain, gentle winds.
 Often found before or after major weather systems.

🌪️TROPICAL DISTURBANCES (EASTERLY CIRCULATION)

📘 What They Are:

These occur in summer when warm, moist air rises in the tropics.

🌍 Where:

Northeastern SA, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

🌀 Examples:

 Tropical Lows: Bring thunderstorms, heavy rain.

 Tropical Cyclones: Intense storms from Indian Ocean.
o E.g., Cyclone Dineo (2017) → floods in Limpopo & Mpumalanga.

🌬️TEMPERATE DISTURBANCES (WESTERLY CIRCULATION)

📘 What They Are:

Weather systems from the Southern Ocean brought by westerly winds.

🌍 Where:

Affect southern SA, especially Western Cape.

🌀 Examples:

 Cold Fronts: Bring rain, wind, cooler temperatures.

 Cut-off Lows: Detached low-pressure systems → can cause severe storms.

🌐 MAIN SYNOPTIC PATTERNS OVER SA AND WEATHER EFFECTS

Synoptic Pattern Description Weather

High Pressure Dry, sinking air Clear skies

Low Pressure/Troughs Rising air Rain and storms

Cold Front Advancing cold air Rain, wind

Cut-off Low Isolated low system Flooding risk

Tropical Cyclone Warm-core storm Heavy rainfall, winds

🌾 WHY SYNOPTIC PATTERNS MATTER (Especially for Farmers)

 Help predict rainfall and drought.

 Support planting and harvesting decisions.
 Warn about flood risks or cold spells.

🌀 YEAR-TO-YEAR VARIATIONS & CLIMATE CHANGE

🌧️Interannual Variability:

 Influenced by global patterns like ENSO (El Niño and La Niña).

o El Niño → drier conditions in summer.
o La Niña → wetter conditions.

🌍 Climate Change Impacts:

 Could shift high-pressure systems.

 More intense storms, longer droughts, and unpredictable weather.
🪞 REFLECTION QUESTIONS —
ANSWERED SIMPLY
✅ What are synoptic-scale circulation patterns?

They are large-scale weather systems (like high pressure, cold fronts) that affect South
Africa’s daily weather and seasonal climate.

✅ How do they impact SA's weather?

They bring rain, dry spells, storms, or clear skies, depending on the system.

✅ What is the general synoptic circulation in SA?

It’s a mix of tropical (north/east) and temperate (south/west) systems shaped by pressure
belts, ocean currents, and winds.

✅ How do weather types relate to circulation?

Each weather type (rain, sun, wind) links to specific circulation features like highs, lows,
fronts, and troughs.

✅ What causes fine and mildly disturbed weather?

 Fine: Strong high pressure.

 Mildly disturbed: Weak troughs or early/late-stage fronts.

✅ Tropical vs Temperate Disturbances?

 Tropical: Summer, humid, thunderstorms (north/east).

 Temperate: Winter, cold, frontal rain (south/west).

✅ Main patterns & their effects?

 Highs = dry.
 Lows = wet.
 Fronts = cold & rainy.
 Cyclones = extreme storms.

✅ How does understanding help farmers?

It helps plan crops, avoid damage, and maximize yield.

✅ How does year-to-year change affect SA?

Causes droughts or floods, shifts rainfall timing, and changes seasonal weather.
✅ Climate change impact?

May lead to stronger storms, less predictable weather, and changing rain patterns.

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This summary describes how southern Africa's climate and weather are shaped by global
and regional atmospheric circulation systems, due to its location in the subtropics. Here's
a breakdown and explanation of what this all means, along with the key terms:

🔄 GENERAL CIRCULATION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Southern Africa lies in the subtropical zone (roughly between 20° and 35° south latitude),
meaning:

 It is influenced by weather systems from both the north (tropics) and the south
(temperate or midlatitude) regions.

🌬️Anticyclonic Circulation (High-Pressure Systems)

 An anticyclone is a high-pressure system where air sinks and spirals outward in a

clockwise direction (in the Southern Hemisphere).
 Southern Africa is dominated by anticyclonic circulation year-round.
 These anticyclones become stronger (intensify) in winter, making the region drier
and more stable (less rainfall, clear skies).

🌍 Three Major Atmospheric Controls Over Southern Africa

1. Subtropical Control (SC)

This control comes from semi-permanent subtropical high-pressure systems in the

Southern Hemisphere:

 South Atlantic Anticyclone (SAA): A high-pressure cell over the Atlantic Ocean
that affects western southern Africa (Namibia, western South Africa), often bringing
dry, stable air.
 South Indian Anticyclone (SIA): A similar high-pressure cell over the Indian Ocean,
influencing eastern southern Africa (Mozambique, KwaZulu-Natal).
 Continental High Pressure: During winter, a continental high forms over the
interior plateau (dry and cold), reinforcing clear skies and cold nights.

These systems suppress cloud formation and rainfall, especially in winter.

2. Tropical Control (TC)

These are weather systems from the tropics, generally bringing moisture and rainfall:

 Tropical Easterlies: Winds blowing from east to west in the tropics, carrying warm,
moist air.
 Easterly Waves: Disturbances (ripples) in the easterly wind flow that can lead to
rain and thunderstorms, especially in summer.
 Tropical Lows: Low-pressure systems (like tropical depressions) that can cause
heavy rainfall and storms.

3. Midlatitude Control (MC)

From the south, weather systems from the temperate (midlatitude) zone impact southern
Africa, especially during winter:

 Westerly Waves: Disturbances in the westerly wind belt that can bring changes in
weather.
 Midlatitude Cyclones: Large low-pressure systems that move from west to east,
bringing cold fronts, rain, and sometimes snow to the southern and western Cape.
 Cold Fronts: Boundaries between cold and warm air masses; these bring cooling,
cloudiness, and precipitation, especially in winter.

🔥 Summer Heating and the Hadley Cell

 In summer, the land heats up, causing low pressure to form over the interior. This
draws moist air from the surrounding oceans inland, bringing rainfall, especially in
the north and east.
 This is related to the Hadley Cell, a global circulation system:
o Warm air rises near the Equator, then sinks in the subtropics (like over
southern Africa), forming subtropical high-pressure zones.
o Southern Africa lies under the descending limb of the Hadley Cell, especially
in winter, reinforcing the dry, anticyclonic conditions.

🧠 What It All Means:

 Winter: Dominated by strong high-pressure systems → dry, sunny, and stable.

 Summer: Heated land and tropical systems → more rainfall, especially in the north
and east.
 Southern Africa’s climate patterns are complex because they are influenced by both
tropical and temperate systems, due to its subtropical location.

Would you like a diagram to help visualize these atmospheric systems and how they affect
southern Africa?
🌬️High-Pressure vs. Low-Pressure Systems

These are large-scale areas in the atmosphere where the air pressure (weight of the air) is
higher or lower than the surrounding areas. They control weather patterns all over the
world.

🔵 High-Pressure System (Anticyclone)

✅ What It Is:

 An area where air pressure is higher than surrounding regions.

 Air sinks from above and spreads out at the surface.
 In the Southern Hemisphere, it rotates clockwise.

🌤️Weather Associated With It:

 Clear skies
 Dry, stable conditions
 Little to no rainfall

🧠 Why:

 Sinking air warms and dries out, preventing clouds from forming.

📍 Example:

 The South Atlantic Anticyclone over the ocean west of southern Africa keeps places
like Namibia and the Western Cape dry, especially in winter.

🔴 Low-Pressure System (Cyclone)

✅ What It Is:

 An area where air pressure is lower than surrounding areas.

 Air rises from the surface and converges inward.
 In the Southern Hemisphere, it rotates counterclockwise.

🌧️Weather Associated With It:

 Cloudy skies
 Rain or storms
 Unstable conditions

🧠 Why:

 Rising air cools and condenses, forming clouds and precipitation.

📍 Example:

 A midlatitude cyclone bringing a cold front to Cape Town in winter.

 A tropical low or easterly wave bringing summer rainstorms to Limpopo or
Mozambique.

📊 Summary Table
Feature High-Pressure (Anticyclone) Low-Pressure (Cyclone)

Air movement Sinking and spreading out Rising and converging

Rotation (S. Hemisphere) Clockwise Counterclockwise

Clouds & rain Few clouds, dry Cloudy, rainy

Typical weather Clear, calm, stable Stormy, unstable

Example South Atlantic High Midlatitude Cyclone

Would you like a diagram showing the movement of air in high- and low-pressure systems?

Certainly! To help you visualize how air pressure works, here are some resources and
explanations:

🎈 Visualizing Air Pressure

1. Balloon Inflation and Air Pressure

When you inflate a balloon, you're increasing the number of air molecules inside it. These
molecules collide with the inner walls of the balloon, creating pressure that causes the
balloon to expand. This demonstrates how adding more air (increasing the number of
molecules) increases pressure and volume, as described by the Ideal Gas Law (PV = nRT).
(WIRED)

2. Suction Cup Demonstration

A suction cup sticks to surfaces due to air pressure. When you press a suction cup against a
surface, you expel the air between the cup and the surface, creating a low-pressure area. The
higher atmospheric pressure outside the cup then pushes it against the surface, holding it in
place. This illustrates how differences in air pressure can create suction forces.

3. Two-Balloon Experiment

In this experiment, two connected balloons of different sizes are used to demonstrate air
pressure dynamics. When air is allowed to flow between them, the smaller balloon often
deflates while the larger one inflates further. This counterintuitive result occurs because the
smaller balloon has higher internal pressure due to its elasticity, causing air to flow into the
larger balloon. This experiment highlights how pressure differences drive air movement.

🧠 Key Concepts

 Air Pressure: The force exerted by air molecules colliding with surfaces.
 High Pressure: Areas where air molecules are densely packed, often leading to
sinking air and clear weather.
 Low Pressure: Areas with fewer air molecules, leading to rising air and potential
cloud formation and precipitation.
 Ideal Gas Law (PV = nRT): A fundamental equation relating pressure (P), volume
(V), number of moles (n), gas constant (R), and temperature (T), explaining how
changes in one variable affect the others.(WIRED)

These demonstrations and concepts illustrate the fundamental principles of air pressure and
its effects on weather patterns and everyday phenomena.