The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings for several parts of the country, including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and inland provinces, as a cut-off low-pressure system is set to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential flooding.
Story Summary:
- The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple warnings about heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms expected to hit parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal from Sunday to Tuesday due to a cut-off low-pressure system.
- These conditions may result in localised flooding and damage to infrastructure.
Extreme weather warnings expected in these parts of South Africa
These weather conditions will persist from Sunday, 20 October, to Tuesday, 22 October 2024.
The system is expected to produce widespread rain, with rainfall levels reaching between 100mm to 200mm in coastal regions of the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal.
Thunderstorms, hail, and damaging winds are also expected, particularly in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, North West, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga.
Impact Warnings from SAWS:
- Orange Level 5 Warning: Disruptive rain and flooding expected along the Eastern Cape coast between East London and Port Edward.
- Orange Level 6 Warning: Heavy rainfall likely to cause significant flooding and property damage from Port Alfred to Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Yellow Level 4 Warning: Localised flooding in areas like Nelson Mandela Bay and Kouga, with thunderstorms forecasted for KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Mpumalanga.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Severe storms with hail and damaging winds expected across North West, Free State, Gauteng, and parts of Limpopo.
What is a cut-off low-pressure system?
In simple terms, a cut-off low-pressure system is a weather system where cold air from the upper atmosphere gets trapped beneath warmer air.
This system can stay in one place for several days, leading to prolonged periods of rain, which often results in heavy flooding.
Meteorologists describe this system as particularly dangerous during the Spring months because it can generate severe thunderstorms, hail, and damaging winds.
The moisture it pulls from the surrounding areas can result in widespread rainfall, as is predicted for the upcoming days in South Africa.
Will the weather improve?
According to the SAWS, the heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions will last until Tuesday, 22 October 2024.
Most parts of the country will experience warm to hot weather during this period, though coastal regions, particularly in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, may see cooler temperatures due to cloud cover and persistent rain.
Conditions should return to normal by Wednesday as the cut-off low moves eastward.
