Extreme cold

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an early warning for a powerful cold front and associated upper-air trough expected to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday, August 9, bringing hazardous weather conditions across much of the country during the long weekend.
According to SAWS, the system will bring "cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions as well as rough sea conditions, with snowfalls over the mountainous areas" of the Western and Northern Cape before spreading eastwards into the Eastern Cape.
Forecasters expect conditions to deteriorate further on Monday, 10 August, as the weather system moves inland.
SAWS said "the upper-air trough is expected to deepen even further as it moves over the central to eastern parts of the country," resulting in cold to very cold temperatures, widespread rain and showers, and snowfall over the mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
While there is a lower chance of light snowfall in other elevated regions, weather officials said confidence remains highest in the mountain ranges of the three provinces.
The weather service warned that the storm system could trigger "localised flooding of low-lying areas, roads, bridges, and informal settlements due to persistent rainfall," particularly in areas receiving prolonged rainfall.
Strong winds are also expected to pose a threat, with SAWS warning of "damaging winds, which may result in fallen trees, damage to roofs and infrastructure, power interruptions, and hazardous driving conditions."
Along the coastline, rough sea conditions and high waves could disrupt maritime activities and threaten coastal infrastructure.
Authorities have also raised concerns about the impact of the cold spell on vulnerable communities and livestock, warning that very cold conditions could increase the risk of exposure and place additional pressure on farmers.
Motorists travelling over mountain passes during the long weekend have been urged to exercise caution, as snowfall may lead to dangerous driving conditions, road closures and transport disruptions.
"We encourage the public, motorists, farmers, and disaster management authorities to remain informed by following updates and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service and to take the necessary precautions as this weather system progresses across the country," SAWS said.
Emergency services and disaster management teams are expected to remain on high alert as the winter storm sweeps across South Africa during the long weekend.
Wendy.dondolo@iol.coza
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