South Africa, get ready! The SA Weather Service (Saws) has issued urgent weather warnings as a powerful cold front is poised to sweep across the country. Prepare for a dramatic drop in temperatures, scattered showers, and significant snowfall, particularly in high-lying areas.
Snow Expected in High-Lying Areas
The Eastern Cape and the Drakensberg mountains bordering Lesotho are expected to experience the brunt of the snowfall. Saws warns of potentially disruptive snow in these areas, potentially leading to treacherous icy road conditions on Wednesday. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution.
Rain and Cold Conditions
Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela of Saws indicates a likelihood of isolated to scattered rain across the southwestern interior on Tuesday, with widespread coverage mainly over the southwestern part of the Western Cape. The rain will extend into the western half of the Eastern Cape and the extreme southeastern part of the Northern Cape. Expect very cold conditions, especially in the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, further increasing the chance of snowfall over the Drakensberg.
Coastal Warnings: Damaging Waves and Winds
The West Coast and South Coast are under warning for damaging waves, while the East Coast is bracing for damaging winds. These conditions could lead to localised disruptions of beachfront activities and potentially interrupt operations at some harbours and ports. Navigation at sea is expected to be difficult; caution is advised for anyone in these areas.
Looking Ahead: Wednesday's Forecast
Wednesday's forecast indicates isolated showers and rain dominating the Western Cape, the eastern part of the Northern Cape, the Free State, the southern part of the North West, southern Gauteng, and extending into Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the western half of Limpopo. Stay tuned to newsrpt.com for updated forecasts and safety advice as this cold front develops.