South Africans have been advised to prepare for bitterly cold weather this week, with the possibility of snow in some locales once more.
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Another cut-off low is predicted to bring about a sharp drop in temperature, following closely on the heels of the extreme winter weather system that brought widespread snow and bitter cold a week ago, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
‘A cut-off low is expected to develop over the southern interior of South Africa. This system will result in a sudden and widespread lowering of maximum temperatures, especially over the Cape provinces, as early as Wednesday.’
The service anticipates snowfall over the higher mountains of the Cape provinces on Wednesday, spreading to include the Drakensberg Mountain peaks of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, in addition to the widespread, bitterly cold, and showery conditions that will set in over the Cape provinces.
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It is anticipated that cold weather will arrive along with cloudy, rainy conditions over parts of the Northern Cape, North-West, Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), and Mpumalanga this week as the cut-off low develops and intensifies.
‘This weather will persist during Friday, when heavier falls can be expected over the western and central parts of the above-mentioned provinces.
‘Persistent rainfall is therefore likely to lead to localised flooding and minor disruptions of road traffic.
‘There is also the possibility of a few thunderstorms developing, some of which may become severe. Large amounts of small hail as well as strong, gusty surface winds may also contribute to icy roads and hazardous driving conditions. Motorists encountering such conditions are advised to reduce speed and to observe safe following distances in traffic,’ the Saws said.
By Saturday, the eastern and north-eastern provinces will have received the majority of the rain. By Sunday, it is anticipated that the majority of the bad weather will be gone.
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