Johannesburg: Heavy rain and cold weather conditions are expected this week, as a cut-off low weather system sweeps across most parts of the country.
According to South African Government News Agency, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has announced that a cut-off low system is expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, moving slowly eastwards before likely exiting the country by Saturday, 26 April 2025.
Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are forecasted over the central and eastern regions, with rainfall accumulations projected to exceed 50 mm in the eastern areas on Wednesday and Thursday, 23 and 24 April 2025. Severe thunderstorms could result in flooding of roads and settlements, alongside potential damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods, and livestock, particularly in the Free State and North West. There is also a distinct possibility of damaging hail associated with these thunderstorms.
Snowfalls are anticipated over the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape during this period. Daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly across most parts of the country starting Wednesday, with a gradual recovery predicted from Friday onwards.
The South African Weather Service has committed to monitoring any further developments related to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required. Intermediate updates can be accessed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service), or other SAWS-supported social media platforms.