South Africans have been enduring an intensely hot start to the spring. However, change is coming, and it’s coming fast. This follows the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issuing a warning that the blazing temperatures are set to be replaced by a weekend of extreme cold and severe weather conditions. Therefore, as per the weather service, residents across various provinces, need to prepare for potentially disruptive snowfall, cold weather, and widespread showers.
According to SAWS, by Friday, 20 September 2024, icy conditions will descend upon KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and Mpumalanga, in the wake of a fierce cold front.
This cold front, coupled with a cut-off low-pressure system, will first bring wintery weather to the Western Cape, southern parts of the Northern Cape, and the Eastern Cape on Thursday, 19 September 2024, before sweeping into other regions.
Disruptive snowfall and cold conditions are expected to blanket high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape from Thursday. As Friday approaches, the biting cold will spread to KwaZulu-Natal’s western and southern high ground, as well as the Free State and southern Highveld of Mpumalanga. The snowfall is forecast to intensify, creating potentially hazardous conditions for communities across these areas.
On Friday, an intense cut-off low-pressure system will develop along the border between the Northern and Eastern Cape provinces.
This powerful system will push into the southern Free State by the evening, bringing a surge of widespread showers and thundershowers to KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. At the same time, scattered thunderstorms could develop over Gauteng, western Limpopo, the eastern North West, the Free State, and parts of Mpumalanga.
Moreover, cold daytime temperatures, between 4°C to 8°C, are expected in the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, high-lying regions of the Eastern Cape, and the eastern Free State. Widespread snowfall is anticipated in these areas, making for dangerous travel conditions and potential road closures.
SAWS has also indicated that there is a chance of light snowfall over southern Gauteng and the Highveld of Mpumalanga on Saturday morning, 21 September 2024. However, they cautioned, “There is significant uncertainty regarding this outlook, as the forecast may still change.” This uncertainty adds an element of suspense as residents await further developments.
Disruptive snowfall of 15cm to 30 cm is predicted over the western and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the north-eastern high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, the eastern Free State, and the southern Highveld and escarpment of Mpumalanga. This snowfall is expected mainly on Friday, with conditions carrying on into Saturday morning, creating a potentially dangerous situation for communities in these regions.
The South African Weather Service issued a further warning, stating, “This may result in the closure of mountain passes, loss of livestock and crops, and affect major traffic routes (which includes parts of the N3, N5 and N11).”
Residents across Gauteng and the eastern parts of North West should also expect cold to very cold daytime temperatures, ranging from 8°C to 12°C on Saturday.
As this cut-off low system makes its way across South Africa, it is forecast to weaken and exit the country from Saturday afternoon. The relief will come quickly, as daytime temperatures are expected to recover on Sunday, 22 September 2024, and into Monday, 23 September 2024, bringing some much-needed warmth to the eastern parts of the country.
Furthermore, SAWS stated that it is committed to monitoring the situation closely, urging the public to remain vigilant and to stay updated by following weather forecasts regularly. The service also said that it will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves, ensuring that residents are well-informed and prepared for any changes.
In response to the severe weather warning, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZNCOGTA), Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, explained that proactive action has been taken.
Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert across KwaZulu-Natal, ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise as a result of the inclement weather.
KZNCOGTA emphasised the seriousness of the situation, noting that these inclement weather conditions pose a potential risk to human life and livestock. Therefore, residents are being urged to take precautions as the possibility of road closures due to snow, especially in areas around the Drakensberg, loom. The threat of localised flooding of roads, walkways, and low-lying bridges is also a significant concern.
In conclusion, KZNCOGTA assured the public that disaster management teams will be actively monitoring areas prone to weather-related incidents. The teams are ready to assist should the need arise.
Meanwhile, residents relying on generators and braziers for warmth are urged to take extreme care when using these devices, as they could pose additional risks in such volatile conditions.
As cold and disruptive weather sweeps across the country, Newcastillian News is committed to keeping its readers informed and up to date on all weather developments. Stay tuned for updates, and in the meantime, stay safe and warm.
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