Summer came early: Cape Town beach irks local residents

A recent Cape Town heatwave saw residents flocking to the beach – Saunders’ Rock in Sea Point – in particular, much to the annoyance of local residents.

The warmer temperatures – attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon – have brought dry and windy weather conditions.

PACKED CAPE TOWN BEACH IRKS LOCALS

In photos posted on its social media account, Cape Town Getaway revealed that beachgoers had flocked to the shore during hot, dry weather.

The lifestyle company shared a look at Saunders’ Rock Beach in Sea Point, where visitors can enjoy a swim in a rock pool.

In the pics, the beach attracted a large crowd, who sunbathed, swam and socialised with each other.

In the comments section,  residents of the Atlantic Seaboard area expressed their frustration and annoyance.

Comments read as follows:

“Tourism really has ruined Cape Town. What a shame. It’s gone from being manageable to an overrun, chaotic mess in the summer. Book your summers elsewhere, people”

“This used to be a nice, quiet, secluded spot until everyone with a social media account blurted out its existence”

“There goes another summer of no space, no booking reservations and the city absolutely overrun”

“Too peoplely!”

Others commented that beaches were public places that were for all South Africans and tourists to enjoy.

WARMER DAYS AHEAD: THE EL NIÑO EFFECT

In recent weeks, the Western Cape has received little rainfall and experienced warmer-than-normal temperatures due to fewer winter cold fronts reaching the province.

Instead, Cape Town and its surrounds have experienced a dry spell with little to no rainfall.

According to experts, the El Niño condition has contributed to the strange weather patterns.

The condition – where sea surface areas are warmer than usual – has its strongest effect on summer rainfall in South Africa.

In recent weeks, fewer rain-bearing cold fronts have hit the Western Cape, increasing the chances of a drier and warmer winter.

El Niño weather pattern is expected to contribute to hotter and drier conditions and an increased risk of wildfires across the province.

With summer around the corner, Cape Town residents can expect more traffic to local beaches.