Early projections suggest that the La Niña weather phenomenon, which brought above-normal rainfall across the summer crop-growing areas of South Africa and much of Southern Africa, leading to higher crop yields, has ended. What may follow in the 2026-27 summer crop season, which starts in October 2026, presents some risks. The latest projections from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) suggest that we are transitioning into an El Niño in late 2026 and through 2027. During such weather events, South Africa and the rest of Southern Africa typically receive below-average rainfall. In extreme cases, an El Niño brings a harsh drought. The impact of such drought conditions on summer grains, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and grazing veld, amongst other activities, is typically severe. A lot remains unknown about the potential severity of the 2026-27 El Niño at the moment. ...