South Africans across the country are looking forward to a long weekend off work for Easter. However, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of inclement weather that may put a damper on the holiday plans.
According to the SAWS, predominantly sunny and warm-to-hot conditions currently dominate the southern African subcontinent.
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However, this is set to change dramatically as a cold front arrives over the Western Cape at the start of the weekend, introducing cold, windy, and showery conditions.
The weather is expected to gradually spread eastwards and northwards during the long weekend, with cooler conditions and some showers or thundershowers eventually setting in over KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng towards the end of the weekend. By contrast, Limpopo is expected to remain hot to very hot during the entire weekend.
The SAWS explains that on Friday, 7 April 2023, the arrival of a cold front over the southwestern parts of the Western Cape is expected to bring some light showers accompanied by cooler, windy conditions to the southwestern and southern coast and adjacent interior. Over the open ocean, a south-westerly swell is expected to begin impacting the southwestern and southern coastline of South Africa.
On Saturday, 8 April 2023, and Sunday, 9 April 2023, windy and cool conditions will invade further over the Cape provinces, especially in the south, where showers will occur from time to time.
The weekend will also see a gradual increase in thunderstorm activity over the Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), especially on Sunday and Monday. Localised, heavier falls, accompanied by hail in places, may lead to disruptive weather related incidents such as urban and river flooding.
On Monday, 10 April 2023, cooler, gusty conditions will eventually spread to include KZN, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng, accompanied by heavier thunderstorms, which may become severe, especially over northern KZN and the Mpumalanga Highveld. These thunderstorms will also spread to include the southern half of Limpopo province on Monday.
With the wet weather conditions forecast for the Easter Weekend, the public is advised to practice caution when travelling.
According to SAWS, the weather conditions may result in heavy rainfall, hail, flooding, and strong winds. As a result, motorists are urged to reduce their speed and increase following distances to avoid accidents on wet roads. The public is advised to stay tuned to the latest weather updates and to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their families safe.
In response to the weather forecast, Newcastillians are encouraged to practice caution when travelling. Stay safe, and enjoy yourselves.
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