28 Jul 2023 | 08:25 AM UTC
South Africa, Lesotho: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of South Africa and Lesotho through at least July 31
Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of South Africa and Lesotho through at least July 31. Disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast across parts of South Africa and much of Lesotho through at least July 31. A cold front is forecast to move over the western coast of South Africa late July 28, bringing widespread showers along the west coast of Northern Cape and western parts of Western Cape provinces, as well as strong winds to central and western regions and rough seas to coastal areas. A developing cut-off low associated with the front will bring further heavy rainfall to much of Eastern and Western Cape and southern parts of Northern Cape provinces July 29, before spreading into KawZulu-Natal Province July 30. Rough seas will continue in coastal areas and snowfall is expected across interior mountain ranges of the southwest from July 29 before spreading to elevated parts of Lesotho and south-central parts of South Africa from late July 29-30. Cold temperatures are also expected to spread from the southwest July 29 into central and eastern regions July 30. Conditions are expected to improve across much of the country late July 30-early July 31. Flooding is possible in areas where persistent rainfall occurs and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. The combination of snowfall and strong winds will likely lead to hazardous driving conditions in elevated areas due to blowing snow. Authorities may close mountain passes due to possible snow accumulations and icy roads.
As of July 28, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued the following weather warnings:
Orange level 6 of 10 disruptive rain warnings: Parts of southern Western Cape Province.
Orange level 5 damaging waves warnings: Along the southern coast of Western Cape Province.
Yellow level 4 disruptive snow warnings: Parts of southern Northern Cape and interior parts of central and eastern Western Cape provinces.
Yellow level 4 damaging winds warnings: Along the western coasts of Northern and Western Cape provinces.
Yellow level 2 disruptive snow warnings: Interior parts of Eastern Cape Province.
Yellow level 2 damaging waves warnings: Along the coast of Eastern Cape Province,
Yellow level 1 damaging winds warnings: Coastal parts of Eastern Cape, eastern and southern Free State, and eastern Northern Cape provinces,
The Lesotho Meteorological Services has issued a press release warning the cold front will traverse the country July 29-30. Snowfall is expected in elevated areas and rainfall is expected at lower elevations. Cold temperatures are expected following the passing of the cold front.
Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected areas over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected areas as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in affected areas. Sporadic power outages are also possible.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through affected areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
