The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a stark warning to residents as a significant weather change looms over the nation.
It is reported that large parts of the country are set to experience heavy rains and a sudden drop in temperatures in the coming days, as a cut-off low-pressure (COL) system is anticipated to make landfall over the western interior starting Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
This COL system is expected to slowly move eastward, with forecasts suggesting that it will exit South Africa by Saturday, April 26, 2025. Central and eastern regions can expect scattered to widespread showers, with rainfall totals in the eastern regions potentially exceeding 50mm on Wednesday alone.
The SA Weather Service has also raised concerns about severe thunderstorms that could lead to widespread flooding across roads and settlements. The regions most likely to experience significant impacts include the Free State and North West provinces, where damages to infrastructure, vehicles, and even livestock could occur. Residents are cautioned of damaging hail associated with these storms.
It is further reported that the Drakensberg mountains are predicted to witness snowfall, particularly in areas of Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape during this period. With temperatures set to plummet from Wednesday onwards, many parts of the country will feel the icy embrace of winter much sooner than expected, although a gradual warming trend is predicted to start on Friday.
“Thundershowers will affect the eastern parts of Mpumalanga province on Monday evening,” the SA Weather Service reports.
“The storms have the potential to become severe in specific areas along the escarpment and southern Lowveld, resulting in localised flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying bridges. Residents should be cautious of localised damage to properties and possible bodily injuries caused by lightning.”
In light of these warnings, residents are urged to take essential precautions. Authorities advise against crossing flooded roads and swollen streams and recommend moving to higher ground if water levels begin to rise. During electrical storms, it’s vital to seek shelter away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water, as well as to avoid isolated trees and objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed wire fences and power lines.
Saturday Star