Heavy rain, SNOW and strong winds are expected – here is the latest

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned that heavy rain, strong winds, and snow are expected this coming weekend.

WARNING AND ADVISORIES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THESE CONDITIONS

A steepening upper-air trough, a surface trough, and a ridging high-pressure system are expected to result in windy, wet, and cold to very cold conditions across the province from Sunday until Tuesday. Significant accumulations are expected to fall in places south of the escarpment from Sunday, with the conditions to improve eastwards from Tuesday afternoon.

The SAWS warned that flooding of susceptible settlements (informal and formal) or roads, low-lying areas, and bridges might occur.

“Some municipal services may be affected, roads may be affected resulting in increased travel times. Meanwhile, this could cause difficult driving conditions.”

SAWS

THE SAWS WARNED THAT FLOODING MIGHT OCCUR

The advisory is issued from Sunday until Monday.

Some disruptions due to the pooling of water on roads could also be caused.

HERE ARE THE AREAS THAT WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE RAIN

These areas will be affected:

• Ingquza Hill
• Lusikisiki
• Nyandeni
• Libode
• Mnquma
• Butterworth
• Buffalo City
• East London
• Beaufort
• Fort Beaufort
• Engcobo
• Ncobo
• Kou-Kamma
• Joubertina
• Nelson Mandela Bay
• Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth
• Sakhisizwe
• Elliot
• Ndlambe
• Port Alfred
• Mhlontlo
• Tsolo

Widespread SNOW is expected in several parts of South Africa next week.

WIDESPREAD SNOW OF UP TO 20CM IS EXPECTED

According to VoxWeather, the snow is expected early next week in parts of the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Lesotho.

Snow is possible in these high-lying areas:

THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED

These areas will be affected:

• Winterberg Mountain Range
• Sneeuberg Mountain Range
• South Drakenberg Mountain Range
• Swartberg Mountain Range
• Sutherland
• Beaufort West
• Graaff-Reinet
• Nieu-Bethesda
• Willowmore
• Uniondale
• Kokstad
• Underberg
• Harrismith
• Barkly East
• Molteno

It is believed that 1-10cm of snow is expected.

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) previously advised the public and small stock farmers that loss of vulnerable livestock and crops can be expected in these weather conditions.

SMALL STOCK FARMERS SHOULD PROVIDE SHELTER FOR VULNERABLE LIVESTOCK

“The weak and frail may also be vulnerable since their bodies won’t be able to retain their heat as easily.”

“Small stock farmers should provide shelter for their vulnerable livestock and cover sensitive crops. Shelter, soup and blankets should be provided to the weak and frail where possible.”

SAWS

ALSO READ: WATCH: Extremely high fire danger conditions expected in parts of SA

HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE PLACES IN SA TO GO HUNT FOR SNOW IN AUGUST:

• Underberg: Snowfalls in the Underberg can occur anywhere from May through to October. The highest recorded snowfall in the area and, therefore, possibly the best time to go in search of snow is in August. Situated a mere 40kms from Underberg, Sani Pass is a great snow spot to explore, with the first winter snowfall having fallen there in late May this year. Be advised though, that you need a 4 x 4 to drive up the pass.
• Golden Gate: The winter months in Golden Gate are very cold and temperatures can plummet to between -9 and -15°C. Snow is no stranger to this area.
• Midlands: Winter in the Natal Midlands is cool and dry, with occasional snow and frost and average temperatures of 6°C. August 2021 saw the KZN Midlands transformed into a white-blanketed wonderland along with other large parts of SA previously untouched by it.

Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in parts of the country on Thursday and Friday.

WATCH AS THE CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE SPREADING OF RUNAWAY FIRES

According to Vox Weather, conditions are favorable for the development and spreading of runaway fires in these areas.

“Winds already blowing more than 40km/h in places over the Cape Interior where veld fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.”

ALSO READ: Widespread SNOW expected next week – here is the latest

It furthermore said on Friday, similar conditions to Thursday are expected with north-westerly winds picking up the afternoon over the western interior where runaway fires are at risk. On Saturday, it will become windy in the afternoon over the interior with a cool onshore wind along the coast.

WATCH THE FULL FORECAST HERE: