9.— ANTI-CYCLONES AS AIDS TO LONG DISTANCE 

 WEATHER FORECASTS IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



By Col. H. E. Rawson, C.B., R.E., F.R.Met.Soc. 



This paper is a continuation of one upon the influence of 

 anti-cyclones in determining South African weather, read before 

 the Association at Kimberley last year. The author analyses 

 the isobaric charts of the southern hemisphere which have 

 been published from time to ^ time since 1868, and points out that 

 they differ greatly in the disposition of the anti-cyclonic systems. 

 The reason for this is attributed to displacements of the high 

 pressure belt in which the systems move, as well as to progressive 

 movements of the systems themselves, which are not the same in 

 successive years. Examining all available South African records, he 

 has been able to detect the years wherein the weather indicated that 

 the belt had reached the extreme limits of its range, and he puts 

 forward some strong reasons in support of a cyclic movement with a 

 period approaching 9 years. A reason for the recent years of 

 drought is given, and the future weather prospects of Natal are 

 discussed. 



