JOHANNESBURG – South Africans are bracing for a severe thunderstorm system set to batter parts of the country from Sunday, 20 October, through to Tuesday, 22 October.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a stark warning, predicting disruptive rainfall that could lead to widespread flooding, damage to property, and significant infrastructure disruption.
The areas most at risk include parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, which are expected to bear the brunt of the heavy downpours. However, the weather service has also cautioned that isolated severe thunderstorms are possible across a broader area, encompassing the eastern and central interior regions.
This includes areas such as the Free State, Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga. Residents in these regions should be prepared for the possibility of intense rainfall, potentially leading to localised flooding.
This impending severe weather follows a period of relatively calm and cool conditions across much of the country. Temperatures, which reached a peak of 30 degrees Celsius earlier in the week, are expected to shift dramatically with the arrival of the severe weather system.
While some areas have already experienced flooding due to recent rainfall, SAWS anticipates a significant intensification of these conditions due to the development of a cut-off low-pressure system.
SAWS explained the meteorological phenomenon driving this severe weather event: “South Africa experienced calm weather conditions over the last few days. This is set to change with the arrival of a cut-off low-pressure system, which will impact the southern, central, and eastern provinces. Cut-off low-pressure systems are notorious for resulting in severe weather during the Spring months, including heavy rainfall that can lead to flooding, as well as intense thunderstorms accompanied by hail and damaging winds,” the weather service explained in a detailed statement.
The weather service's forecast paints a contrasting picture across the country. While many areas will experience warm to hot temperatures during this period, cooler conditions are anticipated in parts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and southern KwaZulu-Natal.
This is attributed to the extensive cloud cover and persistent rainfall expected in these regions. The contrast between the warm and cool areas highlights the highly localised nature of the weather system and the need for region-specific preparedness.
There is some good news on the horizon, however. SAWS anticipates a return to calmer weather conditions by Wednesday, 23 October, as the cut-off low-pressure system moves eastward, away from the southeastern coast.
This shift should bring an end to the severe weather, allowing for recovery efforts to begin in the affected areas. However, the potential for significant damage and disruption in the coming days remains a serious concern.
