Voting tomorrow? This is the weather forecast for your province

With South Africans going to the polls this week, weather conditions are expected to be sunny and cool over most parts of the country while many of the northern provinces can expect sunny and warm conditions.

“It is undoubtedly good news that no severe or extreme weather is anticipated in the lead up to, and including, Voting Day. It is also very encouraging that daytime weather conditions will remain pleasantly cool over the southern half of the country, while the northern provinces will be warm, but not particularly hot,” the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said.

NO RAIN OR CLOUDS

South Africans will be exercising their democratic right to vote next week Wednesday, 29 May.

“The persistence of such mild, settled weather conditions is somewhat unusual for this time of year but will no doubt be welcomed by election officials as well as the public.

“Weather conditions in the period from Monday, 27 May to Wednesday, 29 May are likely to remain predominantly free of rain and clouds. Rainfall, if any, is expected to be light and very localised in nature,” the weather service said.

On Monday, 27 May, the country could see a few light showers along the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, while some early morning fog and drizzle patches can be expected along the eastern escarpment areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo on Tuesday, 28 May.

“At this stage, Voting Day is expected to remain dry and rain-free. A cold front will indeed be moving closer to the Western Cape on Voting Day, however, current numeric weather prediction models (NWP) indicate that rainfall associated with the arrival of the cold front will only occur after Wednesday,” SAWS said.

‘HATS, SUNBLOCK AND SUNGLASSES’

The weather service has recommended that voters and election officials be cognisant of the outlook for predominantly sunny conditions for large parts of the country next week.

“Wide-brimmed hats, sunblock and sunglasses are therefore recommended, especially if voting queues result in voters standing in direct sunshine for extended periods. Moreover, it is a good idea to remember to drink water regularly, in order to avoid dehydration.

“It is also important to bear in mind that infants, small children as well as the elderly and infirm are highly prone to dehydration, especially when the weather is sunny, dry and warm, as will be the case on voting day, 29 May,” SAWS said.

NEXT WEEK’S WEATHER IN SUMMARY:

• Predicted weather conditions for Monday: Sunny and cool conditions are expected, but it will be warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, with isolated showers over the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Predicted weather conditions for Tuesday: Fine and cool conditions are expected, but it will be warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape. There is a 30% chance of drizzle and showers expected along the escarpment of north-eastern areas.
• Predicted weather conditions for Wednesday: Warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, North West and Northern Cape, otherwise sunny and cool. It will be windy and gusty over the western interior, especially from mid-morning onwards. Blowing dust could locally reduce visibility over these areas and could also result in minor disruption and discomfort for voters at voting stations.

SAWS said it will continue to monitor any further weather developments and will issue subsequent warnings if any need arises.