Latest news with #Aphelion
The South African
07-05-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Weather: Cold warning was a hoax, here's the truth
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an urgent correction regarding a cold warning hoax. A widely circulated message warning about an alleged 27-hour extreme cold period supposedly caused by an 'Aphelion phenomenon.' Weather authorities are calling on the public to disregard and stop sharing this false information. The debunked hoax message claims that South Africans should prepare for a dramatic temperature. According to the message, the drop was set to begin at 5:00 AM. This drop would have caused the Earth's increased distance from the Sun to create dangerously cold conditions. SAWS has categorically dismissed these claims as both scientifically inaccurate and potentially harmful. While Aphelion, the point when Earth reaches its maximum distance from the Sun is indeed expected on July 3rd at 15:54, SAWS clarifies that this astronomical event does not cause significant temperature fluctuations. Weather experts emphasise that Earth's seasons are determined by the planet's axial tilt, not its orbital distance from the Sun. Contrary to the hoax's warnings of extreme cold, SAWS's seasonal climate outlook released on May 2nd, 2025, actually forecasts 'higher than normal minimum and maximum temperatures' for most regions of South Africa this winter. Only the southern coastal areas might experience 'cooler than normal temperatures' due to regular winter weather patterns such as cold fronts. SAWS also notes that the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has returned to a neutral state, meaning this climate pattern is unlikely to have a significant impact on South Africa's winter weather conditions this year. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
SAWS warns public against fake winter cold-spell message
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has moved to dispel a widely circulating hoax message claiming a countrywide cold spell until August, attributing it to a phenomenon called 'Aphelion'. SAWS emphatically states that this claim is false and misleading. According to an article by Northcliff Melville Times, in clarifying the matter, SAWS explains that 'Aphelion' is indeed the point in earth's orbit when it is farthest from the sun. While this astronomical event is expected to occur on July 3 at 15:54, SAWS stresses that this distance variation has no significant impact on temperatures or seasons in South Africa. The nation's seasons are determined by the earth's axial tilt, not its distance from the sun. SAWS urges the public to refrain from circulating this inaccurate information. According to its seasonal climate watch issued on Friday, both minimum and maximum temperatures are anticipated to be above normal for most of the country during winter. This means temperatures are expected to be warmer than typically experienced during South African winters. While warmer conditions are generally forecast, SAWS acknowledges that South Africa will still be affected by various winter weather systems known to cause temperature drops, such as cold fronts and cut-off lows. The southern coastal regions are specifically predicted to experience below-normal temperatures for the remainder of the winter period. Addressing another climate factor, SAWS confirms that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (Enso) has returned to a neutral state and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. SAWS adds that Enso has limited influence on South Africa during winter and is not anticipated to have a significant impact. As winter commences, rainfall is expected to focus primarily on the south-western parts of the country, as well as the east and south coastal regions. These areas are predicted to receive below-normal rainfall during the early, mid, and late winter periods. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
eNCA
06-05-2025
- Climate
- eNCA
Weather service forecasts warmer winter
JOHANNESBURG - The Weather Service is warning about a fake weather alert circulating on social media. It claims the country will experience extreme cold until August. The message refers to the 'Aphelion phenomenon', a term widely misunderstood. The service forecasts a warmer winter this year. Lehlohonolo Thobela from the Weather Service said what drives our seasons is the Earth's tilt. "Once it turns towards the sun or away from the sun is what actually drives our seasons," he said. "What we're expecting is a mild winter. We're expecting temperatures to remain above normal, which you'll get in winter."
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Science
- IOL News
Understanding the Aphelion phenomenon: Debunking myths about its impact on South African winters
The Aphelion phenomenon does not affect our weather and season, but this is what does, Image: IOL Winter is so is fake news and misinformation. In recent days, a misleading hoax has been circulating online, claiming that South Africa will experience a cold spell until August 2025 due to a phenomenon known as "Aphelion." The message, shared widely on WhatsApp, has stirred confusion and panic, but it's important to note that this claim is entirely false. To clear up the confusion, we take a closer look at the science behind the Aphelion phenomenon, why it doesn't affect the weather in the way some believe, and what the real drivers of our seasons are. What is Aphelion? Aphelion refers to the point in Earth's orbit when the planet is farthest from the Sun. This occurs once every year, and in 2025, it will take place on July 3rd at around 3:54 PM (UTC). However, contrary to what the hoax suggests, the fact that Earth is at its farthest point from the Sun during this time does not lead to significant changes in temperature or weather. The Earth's orbit is slightly elliptical, meaning the distance from the Sun varies over the course of a year. At Aphelion, Earth is about 152 million kilometres away from the Sun, as compared to its closest point—called Perihelion—when Earth is about 147 million kilometres away. So if we went according to the hoax's logic, we would deal with intense heat at the time of Perihelion, which we do not. The difference is relatively small and doesn't significantly affect the amount of solar radiation the Earth receives. The Real Drivers of Seasons: Earth's Tilt, Not Its Distance from the Sun So we have established that the distance from the sun does not affect temperature and seasons, so what does? The key factor responsible for the seasons is Earth's axial tilt. Earth's axis is tilted by about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt means that different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, creating the distinct seasons. In the Southern Hemisphere, summer occurs around December when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun. Winter happens around June when it is tilted away. Those living in the Northern Hemisphere find that the opposite is true, with summer happening in June and winter in December. The variation in Earth's distance from the Sun during Aphelion and Perihelion has a minimal effect on temperatures or seasons. What really drives the temperature changes we experience is the angle at which sunlight hits the Earth's surface—something determined by the tilt, not the distance. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Weather alert: High fire danger warning for NC as cool, clear weather persists
Find out what the latest weather forecast from the SA Weather Service means for your region for 6 May 2025. The South African Weather Service (Saws) has released its latest weather forecast for Tuesday, 6 May 2025. Extremely high fire danger is expected in the Nama Khoi municipality, while most provinces enjoy cool, fine weather. Here's what you need to know. Weather update for today and tomorrow, 05-06 May 2025: Partly cloudy in the north-east today, otherwise fine and cool to warm☀️🌤#SAWS #southafricanweather — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) May 5, 2025 Weather warnings, Tuesday, 6 May Impact-based warnings The weather service has warned that extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the Nama Khoi municipality of the Northern Cape. ALSO READ: What is an Aphelion phenomenon? It's chilly in Gauteng but not a doomsday cold front Provincial weather forecast Here's what to expect in your province on Tuesday, 6 May: Gauteng: Residents of Gauteng can expect fine and cool weather. The region's expected UVB sunburn index is 'high'. Residents should take the necessary precautions against prolonged sun exposure. Mpumalanga: Mpumalanga residents can expect fine and cool conditions, but warm in the Lowveld. Limpopo: The day will start with morning fog over the southwestern Bushveld; otherwise, it will be fine and cool to warm. North West: Fine and cool to warm weather awaits North West residents. Free State: Residents of the Free State will experience fine and cool conditions. Northern Cape: The day will be fine and warm but cool in the southern interior. Western Cape: Western Cape residents can expect early morning fog patches over the south-western interior; otherwise, it will be fine and warm but cool in the extreme south. Eastern Cape (western half): It will be fine and warm, but cool along the coast. Eastern Cape (eastern half): The day will be fine and warm. KwaZulu-Natal: Residents of KwaZulu-Natal can look forward to morning fog over the northern interior; otherwise, it will be fine and warm but cool in the west. The region's expected UVB sunburn index is 'extreme'. Residents should take the necessary precautions against prolonged sun exposure.
