Brace for rain: Showers predicted as cold front exits South Africa
The South African Weather Service is warning of isolated and scattered showers across parts of the country. According to SAWS, rain is predicted along the coastline and adjacent interior of South Africa as well as the southeastern and eastern parts of the country due to the passage of a cold front.
On Thursday, at least 30% rain is forecast for areas including Mbombela, Durban, Mthatha, and parts of Cape Town.
A Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds has been issued for areas between Richards Bay and Port Edward.
As the cold front exits the country, rainfall is predicted for areas between East London and Polokwane on Friday.
Looking to the months ahead, SAWS warned that the summer season is going to be hotter than normal with more rainfall, leading to flooding.
The forecaster explained that the EL Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is in a neutral state, with rapid cooling experienced in the last month which could result in a weak La Niña event within the next month if current predictions hold true.
“For South Africa, this translates into generally favourable rainfall conditions for the summer rainfall areas in the North-Eastern parts of the country, and as mentioned above, is expected to increase the likelihood of flooding during summer,” SAWS said.
Above normal rainfall is predicted for the North West, parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Eastern Cape.
Meanwhile, drought conditions could be exacerbated in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
SAWS said although summer is a welcome respite from the winter chill, communities are warned to protect themselves on hot days and steer clear of flood-prone areas on days of heavy rainfall.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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