Weather system to hit multiple provinces
Residents are urged to remain alert as a developing weather system is expected to increase fire danger and bring unsettled conditions to several provinces.
Residents are urged to take precautions as an upper-air weather system known as a cut-off low is expected, affecting the central and western interior of the country.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the system will initially affect parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape, bringing isolated showers, thunderstorms and windy conditions across the western interior.
As the system moves eastwards, these conditions are expected to spread into the Free State and the western half of the Eastern Cape. By Friday and Saturday, the cut-off low could also affect North West, Gauteng and neighbouring provinces.
SAWS has warned of the following possible impacts:
• Strong to fresh winds across the western interior
• An increased risk of veld fires due to windy conditions
• Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, mainly over the western interior
• A drop in daytime temperatures
The overall impact has been assessed as moderate. SAWS said it will continue to monitor the system and issue updates or warnings where necessary.
Residents are advised to:
• Avoid open flames and report fires immediately
• Exercise caution on the roads, as strong winds may create hazardous driving conditions
• Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and warnings
• Dress warmly as temperatures are expected to drop
