Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Onke Ngcuka
Published on 2024-04-04 21:31:04
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning that a weather phenomenon similar to the one that caused the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal in 2022 is expected to affect various parts of South Africa over the upcoming weekend. The central and eastern regions are anticipated to be the first to experience the impact, followed by the southern areas of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. The SAWS stated that tropical moisture originating from neighboring countries has been moving towards the central and eastern interior of South Africa since Wednesday, resulting in scattered rainfall continuing into Thursday and Friday. This precipitation is projected to extend to the southern parts of the Western Cape and portions of the Eastern Cape by Friday night. Additionally, cooler temperatures are forecasted for the southern and eastern regions of the country starting Friday.
The weather system expected to hit South Africa over the weekend is known as a cut-off low, following a period of prolonged heatwaves and below-average rainfall in the interior of the country. Cut-off lows are typically associated with flooding, damaging winds, severe thunderstorms, and sometimes snow, based on the season. These occurrences are more common during autumn and spring, with April being a particularly active month for such weather phenomena.
South Africa has been experiencing extreme heatwaves, resulting in record-breaking temperatures in the northeastern regions. With the country currently undergoing the El Niño weather pattern, additional heatwaves are anticipated as the effects of the climate crisis worsen. The climate crisis has the potential to intensify weather events, as witnessed in the tragic 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods that claimed hundreds of lives and caused significant damage to infrastructure.
According to the SAWS, the cut-off low is expected to develop along the west coast on Saturday, progress over the Northern Cape on Sunday, reach the Western Cape interior by Monday, and exit from the southern coast of the Western Cape on Tuesday. Following the passage of the weather system, calm conditions are anticipated to return. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly in parts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal from Saturday onwards, with the rest of the country experiencing cooler temperatures on Sunday and Monday. Daytime temperatures are predicted to range from the high teens to low twenties, with even lower temperatures possible in high-lying areas in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Kevin Rae, chief forecaster at the SAWS, highlighted that the most substantial rainfall is expected on Sunday and Monday over the southern, central, and eastern parts of the country, along with a notable decrease in temperatures. Severe thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds and hail, are predicted over several areas, posing a risk of localized flooding. The SAWS emphasized the importance of avoiding flooded rivers and streams, as crossing them could be life-threatening.
The SAWS acknowledged uncertainty regarding the intensity and trajectory of the cut-off low, indicating that changes in rainfall patterns could occur. Regular updates will be issued throughout the weekend to keep the public informed. The weather warning comes shortly after the SAWS announced expectations for a mild winter season with below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures, including for the current autumn season. While this forecast may help alleviate energy shortages during winter, it could adversely affect agriculture due to limited rainfall.
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