Cape town: With a cold front expected to bring very cold, wet, and windy conditions to parts of the country from Sunday, the government is urging the public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that a cold front is expected to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape, bringing cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions, rough seas, and snowfall over mountainous areas.
According to South African Government News Agency, the system is expected to move eastwards, with these conditions spreading to the Eastern Cape and further inland. Snow is anticipated over mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga, while there is a lower probability of light snow over some other higher-lying areas.
The expected conditions may result in localized flooding, damaging winds, rough seas, very cold conditions, and snowfall over mountainous areas, with potential impacts on communities, infrastructure, and travel. Farmers are urged to take appropriate measures to protect livestock from the cold, including ensuring that animals have access to safe, sheltered, and adequately protected areas.
Government, through the relevant authorities, is monitoring the developing weather system and calls on communities, motorists, farmers, and other members of the public to remain informed and take appropriate precautions, Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said on Friday.
Members of the public are urged to monitor the latest SAWS weather forecasts and warnings and follow guidance issued by disaster management authorities. They should plan journeys carefully and check weather and road conditions before traveling, particularly in areas where heavy rain, snow, or strong winds are expected. Extra caution is advised when driving in adverse weather conditions, reducing speed, maintaining a safe following distance, and using headlights where visibility is poor.
The government also advises against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges, or fast-flowing water, either on foot or in a vehicle, and to turn around and seek a safer alternative route. Extra caution should be exercised when traveling through mountainous areas and mountain passes, where snowfall may result in slippery roads, hazardous driving conditions, road closures, and travel disruptions. Communities living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should remain alert to rising water levels.
Additionally, securing loose objects, equipment, and structures around homes and properties that could be displaced or damaged by strong winds is recommended. Ensuring that children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable members of communities are adequately protected from the cold is also emphasized.
The government further calls on the public to rely on official and verified information from government, bona fide media, and SAWS. The South African Weather Services provides regular updates via mainstream media and social media. More information is available on their website: https://www.weathersa.co.za/.
Government also called on the public to avoid sharing unverified weather reports that may cause confusion or unnecessary concern. Members of the public are urged to remain alert, plan ahead, and prioritize safety, said Mnukwa.
The weather service predicts that the upper-air trough is expected to deepen even further as it moves over the central to eastern parts of the country, spreading the cold to very cold conditions with rain and showers further inland, while scattered to widespread rain and showers are expected over the southern parts of the country on Monday, 10 August.