South Africa, Lesotho: Adverse weather forecast across central, southern, and western South Africa and Lesotho through at least July 11

Severe weather is forecast across parts of central, southern, and western South Africa and across Lesotho through at least July 11. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that several cold fronts are expected to move over the region from July 7, bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and rough seas across much of the region, as well as cold temperatures and some snowfall over higher ground.

As of July 5, the SAWS has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area over the coming days:

• Orange level 6 (out of 10) disruptive rain warnings: Parts of southwestern and western Western Cape Province, including Cape Town, July 7.

• Orange level 6 damaging wind warnings: Parts of western Western Cape Province July 7 and interior parts of central and eastern Eastern Cape Province July 7-8.

• Orange level 6 damaging wave warnings: Along the coastlines of Eastern, Northern, and Western Cape provinces July 7-8.

• Yellow level 4 disruptive snow warnings: Parts of west-central and southwestern Northern Cape Province and southwestern Western Cape July 7.

• Yellow level 4 damaging wind warnings: Across much of the affected area July 7-8.

• Yellow level 2 disruptive rain warnings: Parts of southwestern Northern Cape and central and southern Western Cape provinces July 7.

The Lesotho Meteorological Service has warned of possible snowfall in elevated parts of the country through at least July 10. The greatest chance of snowfall is likely July 7-8. Cold temperatures are likely across Lesotho over the coming days.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected area. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the southwestern and southern coastlines if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.