There are also indications that the maximum dry spell duration (corresponding in
Southern Africa to length of dry season) has increased, although this is not statistically
significant (New et al., 2006; see also Tadross et al., 2005). Climate model simulations
show a coherent picture of decreasing dry season rainfall (JJA and SON), offset partially
by increases in wet season rainfall (DJF and MAM), which suggests that a delayed onset
of rains is potentially consistent with global climate change (McSweeney, New &
Lizcano, undated, a & b).