Severe Winter Weather: South Africa braces for a powerful cold front from Sunday, with Orange Level 6 disruptive snow in parts of the Drakensberg and northern Eastern Cape, plus disruptive rain, damaging winds and rough seas—officials warn of major traffic disruption, livestock losses and temporary inaccessibility. Tropical Storm Watch: Meteorologists are monitoring a new tropical wave off West Africa with a low 20% chance of development over the next week as it moves across the eastern/central Atlantic; no land impacts are expected yet. El Niño and Atlantic Hurricanes: 268Weather and other forecasters link a strong El Niño to a revised, quieter 2026 Atlantic hurricane outlook—down to 12 named storms, four hurricanes and two major hurricanes. Invasive Species Threat: India’s Ujani reservoir faces an ecological crisis as invasive catfish and tilapia decimate native fish and livelihoods; BNHS is running community-driven removal and native restocking. Energy-Climate Security: Nigeria’s World Energy Council network adds a new member committee, appointing Bala Wunti as CEO, highlighting Nigeria’s role in energy-climate security across Africa. Governance and Compliance: South Africa’s labour authorities conducted a Hammarsdale factory raid over labour and health-and-safety violations, including underpayment concerns. Trade and Shipping Risk: UAE officials at BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting in Jaipur raised concerns about attacks on commercial shipping and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.