In a move which could make weather forecasts considerably more interesting, meteorologists in South Africa have been told they could be jailed if they get it wrong.
It's hoped the rules will prevent weathermen causing panic and economic damage by getting it wrong about things like drought or flash-flooding.
As such, those wanting to issue a severe weather alert will reportedly have to get written permission from South Africa's Weather Service Bill first.
Weather forecasters getting it wrong for the first time could face a four or five-year sentence and a £400,000 fine, while that's upped to 10 years or an £800,000 fine for repeat offenders.
It's hoped the rules will prevent weathermen causing panic and economic damage by getting it wrong about things like drought or flash-flooding.
As such, those wanting to issue a severe weather alert will reportedly have to get written permission from South Africa's Weather Service Bill first.
Weather forecasters getting it wrong for the first time could face a four or five-year sentence and a £400,000 fine, while that's upped to 10 years or an £800,000 fine for repeat offenders.