South Africa is set for a sharp change in weather this week, with a cut-off low-pressure system expected to bring cold, wet and windy conditions to several provinces, while severe thunderstorms, flooding and possible snowfall could affect parts of the country.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said the system is expected to develop over the western interior on Thursday, September 3, before moving eastwards across the country over the weekend.
Western Cape and Northern Cape to be hit first
Cold, wet and windy conditions are expected over parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Thursday into Friday.
SAWS warned that temperatures could drop significantly over high-lying areas, with maximum temperatures potentially remaining below 10°C in some places.
Rainfall in parts of the Western Cape could become disruptive, with the possibility of localised flooding, particularly over the south-eastern parts of the province.
The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall over the Overberg and Garden Route districts on Thursday, with flooding of roads and settlements and major disruption to traffic expected.
A separate Yellow Level 4 warning has been issued for damaging winds over Namakwa in the Northern Cape, as well as parts of the Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Little Karoo from Thursday afternoon into Friday.
“Strong to damaging interior winds are also possible, while gale-force winds may affect the south-western and southern coastal areas,” SAWS said.
Severe thunderstorms possible in Gauteng and North West
As the system moves eastwards, temperatures are expected to fall across parts of the central and eastern interior, accompanied by scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers.
The Free State, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and eastern parts of the North West could experience windy conditions from Friday into Sunday.
SAWS said there is a signal for severe thunderstorms over parts of the Free State, North West and Gauteng from Friday afternoon into Saturday evening.
The risk is expected to move eastwards on Sunday, potentially affecting parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, and possibly extending into southern Limpopo.
Where severe thunderstorms occur, the weather service warned they could bring heavy downpours, strong winds, excessive lightning and hail.
“These conditions are expected to persist from Friday into Sunday, with the potential for further impacts as the system progresses across the country,” SAWS said.
Snow possible in Eastern Cape and Lesotho
The cold conditions could also bring snowfall to high-lying areas.
SAWS said snowfall is possible over the Drakensberg Mountains of the Eastern Cape on Friday morning, with the system potentially extending into the high-lying areas of Lesotho.
Motorists using mountainous routes and high-lying passes have been urged to exercise caution because of the risk of rapidly deteriorating conditions, reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions.
Coastal areas face damaging waves
Coastal areas are also expected to experience dangerous conditions as the system develops.
A Yellow Level 4 warning for damaging winds and waves has been issued between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay from Thursday to Friday.
The weather service warned that waves could reach approximately 4.5 to 5.5 metres in places, posing a risk to navigation, ports and harbours.
“Damaging waves, reaching approximately 4,5 to 5,5 metres in places, may also pose a risk to coastal activities and infrastructure,” SAWS said.
Public urged to prepare
SAWS has urged members of the public to monitor official forecasts and warnings as the system develops, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding, strong winds, thunderstorms and cold conditions.
People have been advised to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and streams, secure loose objects outdoors and avoid seeking shelter under isolated trees or near metal structures during thunderstorms.
Small-stock farmers have also been urged to provide adequate shelter for livestock, particularly in areas expecting very cold, wet and windy conditions.
SAWS said the public should “remain alert to updated weather forecasts, advisories and warnings” as the system’s movement and intensity become clearer.
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