MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Fraaiuitsig resident John Solms has been recording rainfall figures for the past 16 years and comparing notes with other weather enthusiasts.

What is interesting is that there has not been a single month over the 16 years with no rain at all.

John told the Mossel Bay Advertiser: "There has been a month with 2mm and one with 2.2mm and two with 4mm. Over a period of 16 years that is not bad."

What is also interesting is that rainfall within different parts of the greater Mossel Bay area differs markedly - even in areas quite close to one another. "For example, rainfall in Great Brak is different from Fraaiuitsig," John said.

Also, he has ascertained from his records that the Mossel Bay area has rainfall all year round.

"During a walk one morning I ended up chatting with two folk living in Fraaiuitsig, one of whom is a newcomer to the Southern Cape.

"The newcomer asked whether this area had a summer or winter rainfall and I explained that, according to my records, we seem to have an all-year-round rainfall because some years we have more rain in winter and some, more rain in summer, with the balance being even."

John continued: "I have been recording rainfall on a daily basis since 2002 although I now only have records since 2003 because 2002 had not been a full year - only about half the year."

John Solm's record of the rainfall.

John said both of the people he chatted to showed a huge interest in the fact that he had the rainfall for every single day from 2003 until now.

"I was asked whether I could supply them with copies of the data." John said the two enthusiasts urged him to send his spreadsheet of figures to the Mossel Bay Advertiser.

If you would like to compare weather notes with John, contact him on 073 333 6851.

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