Distribution of rainfall by synoptic type over natal, South Africa

Abstract Total rainfall over Natal, South Africa is the composite of rainfall from a number of synoptic rainfall‐producing systems. This paper identifies eight synoptic types and employs discriminant analysis in order to determine whether the defined synoptic types are statistically distinct. Eighty‐one per cent of the total rainfall is shown to be associated with four of the eight synoptic types. The dynamic characteristics of each synoptic type are examined and the seasonal and spatial rainfall patterns of the principal rainfall‐producing systems are described.