2 
Temperatures 

Temperatures stayed mostly normal d uring the 
month of December 2011. The highest mean 
temperature deviation from normal  was 0.7°C at 
Butha-Buthe while the lowest was -1.4°C at 
Mafeteng.  

Crop Stage and Conditions 

Most farmers have not been able to cultivate their 
fields due to the pr evailing drought experienced 
until this month. Some farmers only started 
working on the fields with the recent rains, but a 
good amount of agricultural area remains 
uncultivated. This event spells an undesirable 
outcome for the agricultural season of Septe mber 
2011 to April 2012 , especially in terms of cereals 
that require longer periods from planting time to 
maturity. The remaining time in this season is 
however still suitable for other crops such as 
beans due to shorter periods they need to maturity. 

SEASONAL OUTLOOK FOR JANUARY TO MARCH 2012 

January 2012 to March 2012 period is expected to 
be wet as the rain-bearing systems project good 
chances of rainfall over this period. Normal to 
above normal rainfall is anticipated countrywide.  
Temperatures are expected to be above normal for 
the period.