South Africa is bracing for a bout of severe weather conditions this upcoming long weekend, with a potent cut-off low-pressure system (COL) expected to sweep across parts of the country.
Long weekend weather warnings issued for Western and Eastern Cape
While this weather event is set to affect multiple regions, the Western and Eastern Cape provinces are projected to bear the brunt of its impact.
The potential consequences include widespread flooding, turbulent seas, and damaging winds.
A Closer Look at the Weather Forecast
The forthcoming long weekend promises to be an eventful one in terms of weather, and authorities are urging residents to stay informed and prepared.
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Here’s a breakdown of what South Africans can expect:
Rainfall of Exceptional Magnitude
Meteorologists are warning of torrential rainfall over the Western and Eastern Cape provinces, particularly from Sunday, 24 September 2023, onward. Some areas may see 100-200 mm of rainfall over 48 hours.
This heavy rainfall is poised to create the risk of flooding, a concern that’s raised several orange impact-based warnings.
These warnings extend to areas like the Wild Coast, the interior of the Eastern Cape, the Overberg, the southern Cape Winelands, and the Garden Route Districts of the Western Cape.
Potential impacts include flooding of roads, bridges, and properties, posing a danger to lives.
Menacing Winds
In addition to the deluge, South Africa is also anticipating damaging winds. Sustained winds of 60-80 km/h, along with stronger gusts, are expected in various parts of the Cape provinces on Sunday and Monday, 25 September 2023.
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These gusty winds could disrupt transportation routes, create hazardous driving conditions, and even lead to property damage, especially in coastal and interior regions.
Fire Risk in the Interior
While the coastal areas grapple with stormy conditions, the interior of the country faces an elevated risk of veld fires on Sunday and Monday, exacerbated by the strong winds.
Contrasting Conditions
While southern and western regions prepare for stormy weather, northeastern provinces can expect hot conditions.
The Lowveld areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, in particular, are forecasted to experience scorching temperatures. However, by Tuesday, the weather in these regions is expected to cool down.
SAWS releases orange-level warnings for these regions
Authorities have issued several impact-based warnings to prepare residents for the impending weather challenges. These include:
- Orange level 8 warning: This alert is in place for the Wild Coast and the adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape on Sunday (24th September 2023). It signifies disruptive rainfall that can lead to widespread flooding, posing a danger to life and property.
- Orange level 6 warnings: These warnings cover various areas, including the coast and western interior of the Eastern Cape on Sunday and Monday (24th-25th September 2023). They indicate disruptive rainfall, severe thunderstorms leading to flooding, and damaging winds, potentially affecting regions such as the Garden Route, Overberg, and southern Cape Winelands Districts.
- Orange level 6 warnings for damaging winds: These alerts are in effect for the coast between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay of the Western Cape on Sunday and Monday (24th-25th September) and the western interior and southern coast of the Eastern Cape on Monday (25th September 2023). Damaging winds could disrupt transport routes, cause property damage, and create hazardous driving conditions.
- Orange level 6 warning for damaging waves: This warning, active on Sunday and Monday (24th-25th September 2023), extends from Cape Agulhas to East London. It highlights the risk of coastal infrastructure damage, navigation difficulties at sea, and the potential for vessels to capsize.
The South African Weather Service is closely monitoring this weather system and will issue updates as the situation evolves.