Pretoria: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says South Africa will experience typical winter conditions throughout the week, with a cold front supported by an upper cut-off low. Wet, very cold, and windy conditions are anticipated over the southern parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga, as well as the interior of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Snowfalls are possible over mountainous areas, while rough seas are expected along the coast.
According to South African Government News Agency, SAWS has issued warnings for Tuesday, advising both farmers and the general public to take necessary precautions. An Orange Level 6 Warning for disruptive snow has been issued, predicting major traffic disruptions and communities becoming temporarily inaccessible in areas such as Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini, and Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.
A Yellow Level 2 Warning for disruptive snow is also in effect, expecting localized traffic disruptions, isolated loss of livestock and crops, and disruptions to services in several municipalities in the Eastern Cape, parts of the Free State along the Lesotho border, and the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The weather service has further issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for disruptive rain, predicting localized flooding of susceptible settlements, roads, and bridges in Mpumalanga, except the extreme western parts. Along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, a Yellow Level 2 Warning for damaging winds and waves anticipates disruptions to small harbors or ports, danger to navigation, and potential damage to infrastructure.
In addition, damaging winds are expected over the northern parts of the West Coast District and other regions, with a Yellow Level 2 Warning highlighting potential damage to settlements and reduced visibility due to dust storms. A Yellow Level 1 Warning for damaging winds at sea is also in place between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas from Tuesday morning until Wednesday afternoon.
Moreover, extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the Richtersveld Municipality, adding to the series of warnings issued by the weather service.