With Tropical Cyclone Freddy expected to make landfall in Madagascar on Tuesday, the South African Weather Services (Saws) said it is highly unlikely to have a big influence on weather patterns in South Africa.

As of this morning,Saws said that Freddy has strengthened overnight to a very intense tropical cyclone category, equivalent to a category five hurricane.

It has been predicted that after its first landfall, Cyclone Freddy is expected to re-enter the Mozambican Channel, where it is anticipated to rejuvenate its energy and progress towards the Mozambican coastline.

The second landfall is expected over Mozambique, near the city of Beira, in the early hours of Friday.

“Thereafter, Freddy is expected to continue on a north-westerly trajectory towards northern Zimbabwe. In its current projected path, Freddy is highly unlikely to have any major impact on South Africa,” explains Saws.

Saws forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela tells Lowvelder the system is expected to bring light showers east of Limpopo on Friday, but that it will not directly affect the province with its position.

“It will supply moisture that will assist in the development of light showers and rain over the eastern parts of Limpopo,” he adds.

As Freddy has been classified as an intense tropical cyclone, its current wind speeds are between 166 to 213km/h.

Saws adds it will continue to closely monitor the system, and that regular updates will be provided.