Severe Weather & Livelihoods: Severe snowfall and strong winds have disrupted travel and damaged homes in Lesotho, with Qacha’s Nek Border Gate reopening but Ramatseliso’s Gate still closed as heavy snow continues; in Mokhotlong, about 24 pregnant ewes died after being trapped in snow and attacked by dogs, while in Berea at least 13 people were left homeless after winds destroyed houses. Climate Risk for Farmers: Ahead of an El Niño season with a 100% chance, farmers are being urged to act now—adjust planting windows, improve water management, protect soil moisture, and use climate-smart practices—so drought and grazing pressure don’t catch communities off guard. Agriculture & Resilience: Farmers are also seeking training on caring for newly distributed hybrid rams and bucks under the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness programme, after monitoring flagged issues like diarrhoea linked to feeding and mites when hybrids mix with local animals. Regional Water Security: Namibia warned that a possible return of El Niño could worsen water shortages in the Orange-Senqu basin, urging stronger joint planning and climate adaptation across the four basin countries. Tourism Reform: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is set to adopt a three-year joint reform roadmap to tackle inefficiencies, skills gaps and infrastructure shortfalls, aiming to boost jobs and growth.