BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE NORTHERN CAPE
Land area |
: |
361 830 sq km |
Population |
: |
approximately 850 000 |
Population density |
: |
2 per sq km |
Capital city |
: |
Kimberley |
Major towns |
: |
Calvinia, Colesberg, Kuruman, Springbok, Upington, De Aar |
Languages |
: |
Afrikaans, SeTswana, Xhosa, English, Nama |
CLIMATE
The South African seasons are the reverse of those of the northern hemisphere. The Northern Cape is a dry region with temperatures can fluctuate. Its weather is typically that of desert and semi-desert areas. In South Africa, December to February and in January temperatures in the Northern Cape usually reach to between 33 ° and 36 ° Celsius.
Although this is rare, summer temperatures in the Northern Cape have been known to exceed 40 ° C.
During the winter months (June – August), day temperatures are mild (22 Celsius), but the evenings can be cold (0 ° Celsius), In winter, snow can often be seen on the mountains surrounding Sutherland, one of the coldest towns in southern Africa.
The annual rainfall is never high (50 mm to 400 mm) and is always lower than the rate of evaporation. The western areas of the province, which include the Namakwa region and small sections of the Green Kalahari, receive rainfall during the winter months.
These rains bring to life the glorious displays of wildflowers that decorate these regions from late August until the end of September.
The central and eastern parts of the province get their rain during the summer months (December to February).
These summer rains are often accompanied by heavy thunderstorms.