Weather update: SNOW, cold and rain forecast for parts of SA

Brrr! Weather warnings have been issued for parts of South Africa this week, with SNOW, rain and cold forecast.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued several warnings for snow, heavy rain, and possible flooding for MONDAY until Wednesday.

SEVERAL WEATHER WARNINGS ISSUED – SNOW, RAIN AND COLD

According to the SAWS, a cloudy, cold spell of persistent rainfall is anticipated for some of the eastern provinces in the days ahead, driven by a developing upper-air cut-off low system.

“In particular, the eastern part of Eastern Cape is expected to experience a significant chance of heavy rain and flooding today and tomorrow, where Impact-Based Warnings are already in effect. KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Mpumalanga, are also included in the outlook for persistent rain.”

SAWS

The SAWS said during the coming days, this system will further deepen and intensify, forming a cut-off low over the southern and central interior.

ALSO READ: Snow news: Widespread snowfall forecast for SA next week

A LEVEL 5 WEATHER WARNING IS ISSUED FOR DISRUPTIVE SNOW

“Whilst much of the interior of the African subcontinent is currently rather dry, this system is expected to introduce a welcome rainy spell to some of the eastern provinces from Sunday onwards, through to the middle of this coming week. However, this system is expected to shift progressively eastwards, resulting in mostly clear, rain-free conditions by Thursday.”

It furthermore warned that on Monday, in the Eastern Cape, the heavy rain warning is escalated from level 5 to level 6 (figure 3), while a broad level 2 warning persists, spreading into KwaZulu-Natal.

“Sustained rainfall over a relatively large area will inevitably lead to the ground becoming saturated, resulting in overland runoff into river and stream systems, as well as heightening the risk of localised flooding. Under such circumstances, informal dwelling structures, especially those built of mud bricks will be particularly prone to sudden collapse.

“The public would also be well-advised to keep jackets and blankets close at hand, as the weather will remain very chilly over the abovementioned provinces.”

SAWS

THUNDERSNOW IS EXPECTED ON TUESDAY IN KZN, FREE STATE AND LESOTHO

Light snowfalls can be expected from Sunday over some of the higher peaks of Western Cape, spreading eastwards to include the higher peaks of Eastern Cape overnight.

“As the upper-air cut-off low intensifies, snowfall (as much as 20-30 cm depth) of a more significant and disruptive nature should be anticipated over the eastern peaks of the Lesotho Drakensberg mountains, as well as higher peaks of the Eastern Cape, in the Barkly East and Tiffindell areas on Monday night. A yellow level 5 warning is suggested for the disruptive snowfalls.”

SAWS

According to VoxWeather, thundersnow is also possible on Monday into Tuesday over the Southern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal & Lesotho (Thundersnow – a thunderstorm that produces snow instead of rain).”

THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED

These areas will be affected:

• Winterberg Mountain Range
• Sneeuberg Mountain Range
• South Drakenberg Mountain Range
• Swartberg Mountain Range
• Sutherland
• Beaufort West
• Graaff-Reinet
• Nieu-Bethesda
• Willowmore
• Uniondale
• Kokstad
• Underberg
• Harrismith
• Barkly East
• Molteno

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) previously advised the public and small stock farmers that loss of vulnerable livestock and crops can be expected in these weather conditions.

SMALL STOCK FARMERS SHOULD PROVIDE SHELTER FOR VULNERABLE LIVESTOCK

“The weak and frail may also be vulnerable since their bodies won’t be able to retain their heat as easily.”

“Small stock farmers should provide shelter for their vulnerable livestock and cover sensitive crops. Shelter, soup and blankets should be provided to the weak and frail where possible.”

SAWS

By: Corné van Zyl