South Africa braces for another severe cold front. These are the provinces affected
A cold front is set to bring cloudy and cold conditions, widespread showers, and a risk of snow across central and eastern South Africa between Wednesday and Thursday.
The severe weather is attributed to a Cut-off-low (COL) system, which will affect the central and eastern parts of the country.
Provinces most likely to be impacted include Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected. General conditions across these regions will be cloudy and cold-to-cool, with a 30-60% chance of showers and thundershowers.
Snowfall is specifically anticipated over the escarpment areas of the Eastern Cape, Free State, and Lesotho.
For Gauteng, the SA Weather Service has issued warnings of possible severe weather overnight into Thursday. Snow Report Southern Africa has also indicated the possibility of sleet or snow-like conditions in Gauteng on Wednesday and Thursday. The likelihood of icy and wet conditions is high and could increase the risk of incidents.
In response to the impending severe weather, the Gauteng Provincial Joint Operations Centre (JOC), an initiative of the Gauteng Police Board, has urged residents to take precautions to ensure safety. They advise the public to closely follow updates and remain alert for any possible impacts on travel routes.
For individuals planning long-distance travel, it is strongly recommended to carry warm clothes, extra food, and basic emergency supplies as a precaution. The JOC further advises that if any routes become dangerous, individuals should consider turning around and seeking a place of safety. The Gauteng Provincial JOC team will be actively monitoring events and has committed to issuing alerts should any dangerous situations arise.
Beyond the cold and snow, the forecast also includes warnings for severe thunderstorms and potentially damaging waves in affected areas. Residents across the impacted regions are encouraged to stay informed and prioritise their safety during this period of challenging weather.
IOL