The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for October and November, cautioning the public to stay alert for potential heatwaves, severe storms, and damaging winds during this period, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: A chilly celebration of resilience as Cape Town’s Recovery Walk turns 10
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, SAWS Senior Manager Rudzani Malala said the highveld region, including northern Free State, Gauteng, and eastern Mpumalanga, is prone to severe storms and damaging winds, according to The South African Government.
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He explained that South Africa’s unique geography causes varying weather conditions across seasons.
‘The two distinct oceans surrounding the country, i.e. the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, play a significant role that influences the typical weather conditions that we experience from season to season.’
‘During the recent onset of this year’s 2024 spring, many South Africans experienced very hot conditions, with some parts experiencing heatwave conditions.’
‘However, the onset of a cold frontal system and a cut-off low system changed everything,” Malala said.
Malala noted that SAWS accurately predicted the extreme cold and snow from 19-22 September 2024, which disrupted roads in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape.
A media release also warned of last weekend’s milder snow and temperature drop, with SAWS emphasising it was less severe than the September event.
‘Snow in later winter and early spring is not unusual or rare at all. In fact, the more intense, extreme snow systems tend to affect southern Africa in very late winter, especially over the eastern provinces.’
‘We have even had snow in Johannesburg as late as October 2011.’
With this in mind, Cape {town} Etc recently reported on a stunning video showcasing the snowfall on Table Mountain, released on August 28, 2024.
The footage transformed the iconic mountain into a breathtaking winter wonderland, quickly going viral across social media platforms. This rare spectacle highlights the beauty of a city that seldom experiences a “white winter.”
‘Snow is a phenomenon not restricted to winter months. On rare occasions (three times in the past century), snow has occurred on New Year’s Day in KwaZulu-Natal’s Drakensburg [region],’ Malala said.
SAWS Lead Scientist Dr. Christien Engelbrecht reported that June and July had the highest rates of significant snow events, at 25% and 35% respectively, while August accounted for just under 20% and September for just under 15%.
Historical data shows that significant snowfall in September is not uncommon; for example, heavy snow from 19-21 September 2008 led to road closures in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
While significant snow events have occurred in October, they are less frequent.
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Also read:
A chilly start to October in the WC as snow sighted in Matroosberg Reserve
Picture: Gallo
