Cold temperatures, widespread rainfall and possible flooding over parts of South Africa are expected this weekend and on into early next week (April 6 to 9).

The South African Weather Service said this comes after the recent prolonged heatwaves and below-average rainfall over much of South Africa’s interior.

An intense low-pressure system, known as a cut-off low, is forecast to bring widespread showers and thundershowers to many parts of the country this weekend and on into early next week.

Cut-off lows are large weather systems notorious for causing widespread flooding, as evidenced by events such as the well-known KwaZulu-Natal flooding in 2022 and the Laingsburg flooding in 1981.

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.

The service said that cool to cold maximum temperatures are also expected across parts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal from Saturday, which will spread to the remainder of the country on Sunday into Monday.

Day time temperatures are expected to be in the high teens and low twenties across most parts
and will even go down to the low teens over the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

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 South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to this weather system and will issue subsequent updates as required. Furthermore, the public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio.

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