By Mpho Moloi
South Africa is preparing for yet another shift in weather patterns, as a cold front approaches the south-western parts of the country. This comes after the weekend’s freezing temperatures and widespread snowfall, which wreaked havoc on major roads, leaving one person dead and multiple routes temporarily closed. While warmer weather is expected across most of South Africa in the coming days, the cold front set to hit the Western Cape on Wednesday could bring further disruptions.
Forecaster at the South African Weather Service (SAWS), Samkelisiwe Thwala, confirmed that rain showers are expected over the central and western parts of the Western Cape this afternoon, spreading to other areas by evening. “Tomorrow will be mostly partly cloudy for most of the country in the morning. This will clear from the west throughout the day,” Thwala said during an interview with SAnews. Isolated showers are anticipated in the extreme parts of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Northern Cape. This wet weather will move into the Free State and southern KwaZulu-Natal, where cooler conditions may linger.
Despite the weekend’s chilling temperatures, the SAWS expects a gradual recovery in most regions. “We are expecting temperatures to be warm in most parts of the country, but still relatively cool over Gauteng and Mpumalanga,” Thwala added.
Snowstorm Havoc and Road Closures
The recent snowstorm, which swept across the country from KwaZulu-Natal to the Free State, left motorists stranded, particularly along the N3 Toll Route. The blizzard-like conditions severely affected visibility and made the roads dangerous, contributing to several accidents, including one fatality. A 39-year-old woman tragically lost her life on Saturday after being trapped in the heavy snow between Van Reenen’s Pass, a vital link connecting KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.
All major roads affected by the snowstorm, including the N3 Toll Route, were reopened on Sunday night. This follows efforts by emergency services to clear the extensive backlog of vehicles that had been stuck on the route. “The extensive backlog of traffic between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State has been cleared. Motorists are advised to resume their travels on Monday, 23 September 2024,” a statement from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) confirmed.
However, while roads may have been cleared, officials are urging drivers to proceed with caution as certain sections remain slippery due to residual ice. In their advisory, the GCIS also thanked citizens, emergency services, and stakeholders for their support during the extreme weather.
Cold Front Incoming for the South West
On Wednesday, a new cold front is expected to arrive from the west, impacting the Western Cape first before spreading along the southern coast. Showers are forecast to move into the region, bringing a dip in temperatures and further challenging road conditions, especially for communities in mountainous or rural areas.
Motorists have been advised to remain vigilant, with road safety experts offering advice for driving on slippery surfaces. These include keeping a greater distance between vehicles, reducing speed, and avoiding sudden movements that could cause a loss of control on icy roads.
Impact on Agricultural Regions
The snowstorm, while causing problems for transportation, has brought much-needed moisture to some of South Africa’s key agricultural regions, particularly those affected by the ongoing drought. However, the cold front forecast for this week could delay recovery efforts in some areas, particularly in the Western Cape, where farmers have been working to plant crops after a challenging winter season.
The weather conditions also pose a risk to livestock, particularly in regions where shelter is limited. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development has issued warnings to farmers to protect their animals from the cold and to monitor weather reports closely for updates on the severity of the front.
South Africa’s Varied Weather Patterns
This winter has seen a series of unpredictable weather patterns, with alternating periods of extreme cold and unseasonal warmth. Snowfall in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Free State earlier in the season already caused significant disruptions, with local governments stepping in to provide emergency support to affected communities.
Despite the warming trend expected in most regions of the country, Gauteng and Mpumalanga will continue to experience relatively cool conditions. This contrast in weather patterns highlights South Africa’s diverse climate, where temperatures can vary significantly between provinces at the same time of year.
As the cold front approaches, South Africans are encouraged to prepare for colder weather in the south while enjoying warmer temperatures in other parts of the country. Thwala emphasized the importance of checking regular weather updates, especially for those planning to travel through affected regions.
Road Safety and Ongoing Monitoring
With roads reopening after the snowstorm, authorities are maintaining a presence along key routes to ensure safety as the cold front approaches. The Department of Transport is monitoring conditions closely and has reminded road users to remain cautious, particularly in mountainous regions prone to ice and fog.
Motorists traveling through areas like the Van Reenen’s Pass, which was particularly affected by last weekend’s blizzard, should remain on high alert. While the weather may improve in the coming days, sudden shifts, especially with the incoming cold front, could still cause hazards.
Government Response
In a statement released on Sunday, the GCIS expressed gratitude to South Africans for their resilience during the challenging weather conditions, and praised the quick response of emergency services in clearing the roads and providing assistance. “Government thanks all citizens, emergency services, government entities, humanitarian organisations, and stakeholders for their support during this time,” the statement read.
Download Here:
Central News Weekly Edition 073 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story: “R180,000 in Prizes at Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament 2024”
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate