Paarl experienced flooding and other weather-based impacts after record rains fell. Image: unsplash
The cut-off low pressure system that dominated over the Western Cape last weekend brought record rainfall to the some areas.
By: Storm Simpson
The heavy rainfall that dominated the western parts of South Africa over the past weekend into Monday, 12 December, led to new local records for rain in Paarl and Wellington, said the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
READ: Level 6: Thunderstorms and hail issued today in these parts of SA
The Paarl and Wellington weather stations measured 65.2 mm and 59 mm, respectively, over a 48-hour period.
“Other rainfall figures worth mentioning include Jonkershoek (Stellenbosch region), where 76.4 mm was measured (also over a 48-hour period), 54.8 mm for Elgin Grabouw and 25.4 mm for Cape Town International Airport (CTIA),” said the weather service.
Other significant preliminary rainfall measures were also recorded in the Western Cape, including Sutherland – 78 mm, Porterville – 54.8 mm, Robben Island – 34.6 mm, Ceres – 51.4 mm, Plettenberg Bay – 43.4 mm and 54.8 mm for Beaufort-West.
The official total accumulated rain recorded over Paarl from 12 to 13 December 2022 was 40mm – a new record for December.
“The Paarl weather station first opened in 1993. The previous record was 35 mm within a 24-hour period, set in December 2002,” said the weather service.
Wellington recorded 39.8 mm on 12 December 2022. The previous record was set on 5 December 2021 when 35.2 mm fell.
READ: KZN: Persistent and heavy rain to continue in upcoming months
The weather service warned that more rain is expected over the Northern Cape and Western Cape in the coming days as another cut-off low is developing to the west of the country.
“This development follows close on the heels of the “black south-easter” circulation pattern, which dominated the western parts of the country over the past weekend, bringing significant record-breaking rainfall and weather-related impacts.”
The worst effects of the cut-off low system will be felt on Friday and Saturday. The weather service issued a Yellow Level 4 and Orange Level 6 thunderstorm warning for those days.
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