September 18 – South Africa is experiencing a dramatic shift in weather conditions as the first heat wave of spring gives way to a significant cold front and cut-off low-pressure system.
Current Conditions:
- Heat Wave: Many regions, especially Mpumalanga and Limpopo, are experiencing hot to very hot conditions, with temperatures exceeding 38 to 40°C in parts of the Limpopo Valley and Lowveld.
Upcoming Changes:
- Cold Front Arrival: A cold front is set to move into the Western Cape today, bringing showers and rain. This front will spread to the Garden Route, Little Karoo, and the Eastern Cape by tomorrow.
- Temperature Drop: Cooler weather will follow, reaching KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and Mpumalanga on Friday, 20 September, and extending to Gauteng, North West, and Limpopo on Saturday, 21 September.
- Snowfall and Cold Conditions: Disruptive snowfall and extremely cold conditions are expected to impact high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga from Thursday into Saturday. The SA Weather Service (SAWS) warns of light snowfalls starting Thursday afternoon and increasing to disruptive levels by Friday night.
Impact and Warnings:
- Wind and Sea Conditions: Strong to near-gale force winds and rough seas (4 to 6 meters) are anticipated along the Western Cape coast, spreading to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coasts.
- Temperature Extremes: Daytime temperatures could drop to 4 to 8°C in high-lying areas, with widespread snowfall potentially affecting major traffic routes and causing disruptions. Areas of concern include the N3, N5, and N11 routes.
- Public Advisory: Farmers and the public are advised to prepare for potential disruptions. Snowfall of 15 to 30 cm could lead to road closures, loss of livestock and crops, and impact traffic. The cold front may also affect weather in Gauteng and the eastern parts of North West.
Looking Ahead:
- Recovery: The cut-off low is expected to weaken and exit by Saturday afternoon, with temperatures likely to recover quickly from Sunday into Monday.
The SA Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. The public is encouraged to stay informed through weather forecasts on television and radio to prepare for these significant weather changes.