It seems winter is not done with us just yet as several weather warnings for icy temperatures and gusty winds have been issued for parts of the country from Thursday.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) says isolated to scattered rain and showers are expected over the south-western parts of the country, with possible damaging winds and waves along the east and south coasts of the country, as well as disruptive snow over the escarpments of the Eastern Cape.
“Light snow, with surface temperatures below freezing, will follow the passage of a cold front. Although snow accumulation will be minimal, icing is expected on the road surfaces, due to low minimum temperatures on the high ground,” the forecaster said.
This could lead to icy roads, resulting in traffic disruptions at night.
Warnings issued
Saws has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds over the Eastern Cape. It says strong to gale force west to south-westerly winds are expected due to the passing cold front.
“These strong winds are expected to increase the sea state to about 4.5 to 6.5-metres from the afternoon. Due to these waves persisting, it could lead to localised disruptions to harbours, ports, and beach activities.
Gale-force winds are also expected along the coast and interior of the province.
In KwaZulu-Natal, a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds has been issued.
Saws explained that the cold front will bring gusty winds from Thursday evening between Port Edward and Mtunzini, spreading to Kosi Bay by Friday.
The Western Cape will also experience damaging waves.
“A high pressure will be ridging a cold front on Thursday, affecting the Western Cape coastline until Friday.
“This will result in south-westerly waves as well as high waves between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas on Thursday morning. This pattern will spread to Plettenberg Bay and Alexander Bay in the afternoon,” Saws warned.
Over the Northern Cape, it is going to be very cold, very wet, and very windy, Saws warned.
The cold front is expected to impact the south-eastern parts of Namakwa, the Cape Winelands, Central Karoo, Little Karoo and the Western Cape.
