The term ‘sweat praying for rain’ in South Africa is not a well-known term or concept, and in conventional contexts, it is not directly related to South African rainfall forecasting or related traditions. However, if it is understood as a custom or ritual related to praying for rain in South Africa, then we can explore the culture and traditions related to praying for rain in South Africa, especially the content related to the “Queen of Prayer for Rain”.

The tradition of praying for rain in South Africa and the ‘Queen of Prayer for Rain’
In the Limpopo province of South Africa, the Balobedu people have a tradition passed down from generation to generation that their queen is believed to have the mysterious ability to summon rainfall. This tradition has a long history of over 200 years, and the status of queen has been passed down from mother to daughter. According to tradition, the Queen of Prayer for Rain does not marry people in the usual form, but rather ensures the loyalty of her maidservants (selected by the royal council from various tribes under her rule) through a special ‘wedding ceremony’. The tribe believes that the Rain Queen can bring nourishment from rain to her allies and drought to her enemies.

However, this tradition is not directly referred to as “sweating for rain”, and it is more of a reflection of culture and faith rather than a scientific method of predicting rainfall. In reality, the generation of rainwater is influenced by various factors such as atmospheric circulation, climate system, and topography, and is the result of complex meteorological processes.

Scientific Methods for Rainwater Prediction
In modern meteorology, rainwater prediction mainly relies on various means such as meteorological observation data, numerical weather forecast models, satellite remote sensing technology, etc. These scientific methods can provide more accurate and reliable rainwater prediction information, providing important support for agriculture, water resource management, disaster prevention and mitigation, and other fields.

The impact of extreme rainfall events in South Africa
Although ‘sweating for rain’ is not a scientific method for predicting rainfall, South Africa has indeed experienced extreme rainfall events. For example, in April 2022, severe floods occurred in the KwaZulu Natal province in eastern South Africa, causing enormous damage. This extreme rainfall event is the result of the combined effects of abnormal atmospheric circulation and the subtropical cyclone “Storm Issa”. It reminds people that in the context of climate change, the frequent occurrence of extreme weather disasters has become an undeniable fact, and more attention needs to be paid to the impact of climate change on global atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns.

In summary, ‘sweating for rain’ is not the source or method for predicting rainfall in South Africa. The tradition of praying for rain in South Africa is more of a reflection of culture and faith. Modern meteorology provides more accurate and reliable methods for predicting rainfall. Scientific prediction and disaster prevention and mitigation measures are particularly important when facing extreme weather disasters.