Severe thunderstorms, rain and strong winds expected in four provinces
An intense cut-off low system is expected to result in severe thunderstorms, heavy rains and cold weather in parts of the country.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says a cut-off low pressure system is expected to result in widespread thunderstorms and rain over parts of the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and southern Free State this weekend.
The cut-off low pressure system is expected to develop along the west coast of the country on Saturday, 23 September.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED IN CAPE PROVINCES
As previously reported by The South African, the SA weather service said another significant storm system may be experienced over the weekend and early next week due to a cut-off low that will develop along the country’s west coast on Saturday evening, 23 September after the passage of a weak cold front.
Light rain can be expected along the Garden Route of the Western Cape as well as the coast and adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape on Saturday.
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The weather service said the cut-off low will rapidly intensify by Sunday, 24 September as it gets displaced northwards. It is expected to enter the
country’s western interior, where it will result in widespread thunderstorms and rain over parts of the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and southern Free State.
“The Western Cape, Northern Cape, and western areas of the Eastern Cape may experience severe thunderstorms where bursts of intense rainfall may cause flash flooding. Strong to gale-force winds and very rough seas of 4 – 6m are expected along the coastal areas, particularly along the Western Cape and Eastern Cape coast on Sunday and Monday.
It will also be very windy over the central and eastern interior of the country from Sunday into Monday, and the combination of the warmer and windy weather could increase the risk of veld fires in open areas,” SAWS said.