Tropical Storm CHIDO aiming for Mozambique Channel (amongst other things)

Tropical Storm CHIDO aiming for Mozambique Channel (amongst other things)

Tropical Storm CHIDO aiming for Mozambique Channel (amongst other things): At this stage, it is not a threat to anyone.

Yet!

But Chido does mark the beginning of cyclone season. These things move fast when they want to! It pays just to be aware.

This adds to the complications of visiting Mozambique at this time of the year. And the current political cycle is really a factor too this particularly political season (more about that later in this report).

Back to semi-peaceful South Africa…even Port Shepstone has calmed down. The locals (NOT RNM OR UGU), cleaned the town up. The refuse bags used though, are obviously laying in earnest wait to be collected throughout the town.

Pennington KZN South Coast Viz Report by The Bear 10 December 2024

Spearfishing viability check down south reveals a strong swell running and slightly murked up water. Looking forward to The Bear’s weekly roundup on Tuesdays later today. The Bear also vlogs on Fridays. Find out more at The Master Watermen website at https://masterwatermen.co.za.

BUS Bull Dorado by Adam

Sardine correspondent and photographer Adam Kamdar was lucky enough to be out at sea today. Real peace and quiet!

Until…this BUS dorado bull hammered into the spread and took Adam’s lure. What a fish!

Mozambique Travel

Although it is strongly advised that you rather not travel too much around Mozambique right now, some people have to. Making a living. Heading home. School etc…

Some advice from some weary travelers up north in Mzaonbque today earlier…

Well, you just got to go with it. Obey, obey and obey. And they will sing songs with you and let you through. No problem.

This is a transcript of a voice message from Timane, way up north, past Vilanculos even…at an impromptu roadblock (don’t ask me which side, I can’t keep up with all the parties and factions)…

“The demands are that…when they say stop. Just stop. Then they will tell you to stand still. Group together. Sing National Anthem. Then after that they dismissed everyone and they open the road and go. There is one guy who wanted to go the other way in the bush try to snake through the bush then they catch up with him and take him back. So, If you just adhere with what they want. No problems. Very peaceful. No noise. That is what I can see, I have witnessed today.” – Anon Driver, Timelane, Mozambique

This is not to scare anyone, it is just to say that this is Africa and you may aswell learn the National Anthem of the country you are in.

This morning, Temane was full of action. By the afternoon it was all clear.

There was however, looting in Maputo today. And you shouldn’t drive that way at all for at least a while. Things might not be getting better anytime very soon. Hopefully by Xmas and New Years. Stay posted.

Synoptic Analysis

The following synoptic chart becomes available from the South African Weather Services at 6 a.m. each day. And another rendition at 6 p.m. Most times, it’s unreliable. But today, at 6 a.m., today’s synoptic became available.

Today…

We have two very interesting cold fronts to watch today. One with us now off KZN giving us this lovely overcast weather. And the other closing in on Cape Town fast. This second cold front is well high up in the latitudes and just maybe some waves will be stirred up for Cape Town.

The dotted L’s indicate low pressures retreating in intensity as a rather big high-pressure situation seems to be moving in and taking over.

It’s gonna be HOT!

But calm. Some rain looks to be impending but overall we have a stable atmosphere and set of conditions to plan ahead with.

For the future…

You can see that tropical storm Chido starting to make it’s uncanny way westwards away from the usual flow. Top right. Keep eyes on that guy.

You can check the daily synoptics for yourself at this LINK. It is working great today. Unfortunately, like all other government bodies…this is what you get, far too often…

If you read the error message you will see that they use Microsoft’s totally inferior Active Server Pages (ASP).

Sardines and Sighting Maps

It has been a fantastic sardine run this memorable 2024. And all the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. This year’s map has been viewed 195,000 times and just keeps growing.

Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. This year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! And a freaking tornado! And recently a capsized KZNSB boat! We have been updating the map with recent catches too…

These events will from now on be included in the Sardine News Sightings Map for 2024. And on the 1 January 2025, we shall start all over again.

Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. Great for a windy day like today to research. With instructions to install The Sardine News right on your phone or desktop.

2024 Sardine Map

2023 Sardine Map

2022 Sardine Map

2021 Sardine Map

Channels

Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining  surf reporting

Master Watermen – news from way down deep

The Sardine News – neva miss a single  sardine

FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus

MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical  sport fishing

Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely

Water Woes – complain about your municipality here

Websites

umzimkulu.co.za – self-catering right on the Umzimkulu River
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za –  will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts