POLOKWANE – Following weeks of prolonged heatwaves and below-average rainfall over the country, cooler conditions are expected over the Eastern part of the country this weekend.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says an intense low-pressure system known as a cut-off low is expected to bring widespread showers and thundershowers to many parts of the country between April 6 to 9.

“Cut-off lows are large weather systems notorious for causing widespread flooding. These weather systems can also bring damaging winds, severe thunderstorms, and even snow, depending on the season in which they develop. Cut-off lows are most frequent during the Autumn and Spring seasons, with the highest frequency during the month of April,’ their statement read.

How will this affect Limpopo?

The SAWS says widespread showers and thundershowers are expected to develop over much of the country during Saturday and will continue until at least Tuesday when calm and clear weather conditions will return to many areas.

“Persistent showers and thundershowers may lead to flooding over the central and eastern parts of the country, particularly from Sunday into Monday, while severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and large amounts of small hail are possible over the western interior on Sunday into Monday.”

@vox_weather_girls 04 – 08 April 2024 | Vox Weather Forecast Warming up over the southern parts of the country due to bergwinds ahead of a cold front. Scattered showers and thunderstorms over the central parts of the country, including parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga ahead of a cold front. Cool to mild conditions in the Highveld and surrounding areas. On Friday cool to cold conditions behind a cold front in the Western and Eastern Cape, with the cooler conditons spreading to KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern parts of the country on Saturday. This weekend will be cold and wet over most parts of the country due to a CUT-OFF LOW. Strong winds also expected to accompany the CUT-OFF LOW pressure system. #voxweathergirls #coldfront #weatherupdate #cold #fyp #greenscreenvideo ♬ original sound – The Weather Girls

Outlook for Polokwane: 

Cooler temperatures will start creeping into the city by Friday night with a high of 17ºC and a 65% chance of showers. A thunderstorm is also expected in the afternoon.

On Saturday, daytime highs will peak at 23ºC with AccuWeather predicting rain and drizzle in the morning followed by a shower in spots in the afternoon. A nighttime high of 17ºC is expected on Saturday night with showers also expected.

Meanwhile, Sunday will peak at 20ºC with a 46% chance of rain and a stray thundershower.

The city will see the effects of the cut-off low on Monday with a high of just 19ºC and a 73% chance of rain.

Periods of rain is expected in the morning followed by a thundershower in spots in the afternoon.

“There remains uncertainty among Numeric Weather Prediction (NWP) models regarding the intensity and future movement of the system. This uncertainty could lead to changes in rainfall amounts and distribution and the South African Weather Service will therefore provide regular updates to the public and disaster management on expected weather conditions and potential Impact-Based warnings. It is strongly advised that the public take necessary precautions during this weekend and early next week. This includes avoiding crossing flooded roads, bridges, and swollen streams,” the SAWS said.