Africa-Press – Eswatini. The nation will be pleased to learn that weather conditions are expected to be favourable on Friday, 20 February 2026, during the official opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament.
According to Victor Boy Motsa, Senior Meteorological Officer at the Eswatini Meteorological Services under the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the weather will be suitable for those wishing to wear both traditional and Western attire.
Motsa was invited to present the weather outlook during rehearsals and preparations for the official opening, at the request of Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba.
“I would like to thank you for this opportunity. It is evident that rainfall chances have gradually decreased, which makes it easier to predict favourable weather conditions for Friday. Temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of at least 26 degrees Celsius,” said the forecaster.
He added that fog is expected in higher-lying areas in the morning, with a slight chance of light rain from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning.
Otherwise, he said, conditions will be sunny with partly cloudy intervals. On Friday afternoon, thunderstorms are expected in the eastern parts of the country.
“Winds may drive light rain showers towards the northern parts of the country,” Motsa added.
He further explained the naming of tropical cyclones, following a previous request by Parliament Speaker Jabulani ‘Buy Cash’ Mabuza.
“In our region, we call them tropical cyclones. In the Americas, they are referred to as hurricanes, while in the Western Pacific region of Asia they are known as typhoons. When such systems occur over land and are more localised, they may be referred to as tornadoes,” he explained.
Motsa also highlighted that countries form committees comprising approximately eight member states. These countries submit names in alphabetical order, from A to Z.
The naming process is rotational, with each country assigned a turn. For example, country ‘A’ names one cyclone, country ‘B’ the next, and so forth.
He emphasised that sensitive, derogatory or sexist names are prohibited.
Motsa revealed that Eswatini’s next designated cyclone name is Juluka, which will follow those named by Mozambique and Kenya.
