ABC News posted a story today about the severe drought in South Africa.  In the last week 11 people have died from heatstroke associated with record-setting high temperatures in the dry conditions.

One farmer reported that he has already lost $60,000 this season because he has not been able to plant a single seed.  He pointed out that one bad season may cause repercussions several years down the road as farmers have to pay back the loans they must take out to survive in the lean years.  You can read the story here.

Drought in southern Africa is often linked to El Niño, as you can see in the diagram below.  In this case many scientists believe that rising temperatures are also contributing to the severity of the heat wave and dry conditions that are occurring this year.

Source: NOAA
Source: NOAA