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We may be enjoying a warmer Spring Day for once, but it looks like Durban is in for some cold and wet weather this weekend.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has stated that a cut-off low is expected to develop over South Africa’s western interior on Thursday (3 September), before moving eastwards and bringing cold, wet and windy conditions to parts of KZN over the weekend.
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So, what’s happening with the weather?
The cut-off low is expected to move towards the central and eastern parts of South Africa from Friday into Sunday. SAWS says this could result in:
- Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers
- A noticeable drop in temperatures
- Strong winds in some areas
- Localised heavy downpours
- Possible severe thunderstorms in parts of KZN from Sunday
- A risk of lightning and hail where severe storms develop
The initial risk of severe thunderstorms is expected over parts of the Free State, North West and Gauteng from Friday afternoon into Saturday evening. By Sunday morning, the risk is expected to shift eastwards towards Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
Where severe storms occur, SAWS warns that they could bring heavy downpours capable of causing localised flooding, strong and potentially damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail.
READ: What's on in Durban this September!
And what about the mountains?
There is also a possibility of snowfall over the Drakensberg Mountains of the Eastern Cape on Friday morning, extending into high-lying areas of Lesotho.
Anyone travelling through mountain passes should be particularly cautious, as rapidly changing conditions could mean reduced visibility, very cold temperatures and hazardous roads.
Spring doesn't always mean sunshine
While 1 September marks the start of meteorological spring, SAWS points out that the season can bring some seriously changeable weather.
As winter circulation patterns weaken and warmer conditions begin to establish themselves, spring can bring everything from warm sunshine to cold fronts, thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Cut-off lows can occur more frequently during this transitional period, sometimes bringing widespread rainfall, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms.
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Keep safe out there, Durban
As the cut-off low moves towards KZN, SAWS advises residents to:
- Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and streams.
- Take care in areas prone to flooding.
- Secure loose outdoor furniture and other objects that could be blown around.
- Avoid sheltering under isolated trees or near metal structures during thunderstorms.
- Exercise caution along the coast, particularly where strong winds and high waves are expected.
- Dress appropriately for colder conditions.
- Take extra care of vulnerable people during cold weather.
The exact location and intensity of the storms will depend on how the weather system develops, so SAWS is encouraging residents to keep checking the latest forecasts and warnings: www.weathersa.co.za.
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