A bitter winter blast is heading for South Africa, with forecasters warning of snow-covered mountain passes, flooding rain and rough seas. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is warning of bitterly cold, wet and windy conditions during the first week of June.
While Monday and Tuesday are expected to be partly cloudy and cold, South Africans should brace for a chilly week, with snow forecast in several areas. According to the forecaster, very cold conditions and rainfall are expected over the central and eastern interior of the Western Cape, as well as the southern parts of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, from Wednesday.
Winter Weather Warnings
Light snowfall is expected over the mountain tops of the central and eastern parts of the Western Cape, and the higher-lying areas of the southern Namakwa District during this period, as stated by the South African Weather Service. The weather service warned that travel over mountain passes could be difficult, while strong winds and cold weather may disrupt outdoor activities.
An Orange Level 5 warning has been issued for disruptive rain in the Eastern Cape from Wednesday. Ridging high pressure, together with a cut-off low in the upper atmosphere, will result in cold conditions with snowfall over high-lying areas and widespread rainfall across the province, with heavy downpours expected in places from Wednesday.
Affected Areas
A Yellow Level 2 warning has also been issued for disruptive rain in the western half and central parts of the Eastern Cape. A Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds and waves has been issued for very rough seas between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday and Thursday. The forecaster said south-easterly swells with wave heights of 4m to 6m, coupled with strong winds, are expected.
- Eastern Cape: Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive rain
- Western Cape: Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain and damaging winds
- Namakwa District: Light snowfall expected
For more information on weather warnings and forecasts, visit the South African Weather Service Wikipedia page for an overview of the service and its operations.
