Predictions charts reflect a cold front likely to impact the Western- , Northern-, Southern- and Eastern Cape during the forecast period. The first cold front is expected to make landfall tomorrow evening (17 August 2014)
The SAWS issued the following warnings:
1. Gale force Westerly to North-westerly winds of 65km/h is expected in places in the Western Cape and southern parts of the Northern Cape Provinces.
2. Heavy rain is expected over the Cape Metropole, Overberg District and south-western parts of the Cape Winelands District on Thursday.
3. Localised flooding is expected in places over the Cape Metropole, Overberg District and south-western parts of the Cape Winelands District on Thursday.
4. High seas with wave heights in excess of 6m is expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay from Thursday evening moderating Friday afternoon. High seas with wave heights in excess of 6m is expected to develop between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay from late Thursday evening moderating during Friday afternoon.
What can we expect from these cold fronts:
1. Always the possibility of Severe Weather
2. Moderate to heavy rain
3. Strong to near gale force winds
4. Possible Flooding
5. Cold weather conditions
6. Snowfalls over the high mountains
7. Veld fires
8. Rough Seas
9. Possible storm damage
Severe Weather
This is a well developed and intense weather system that is expected to bring-forth severe weather during the prescribed period. The public are advised that the above conditions (1- 9) can be expected and the necessary precautionary measures need to be taken by the public to minimize the impact of the storm and the subsidiary events.
Moderate to Heavy rain
Moderate to heavy rain is expected in areas of the Western Cape. Heavy rain is expected in Cape Town and surrounding areas, Overberg, Cape Winelands and West Coast. Up to 50mm can be expected in these areas with moderate rain (1- 25mm) over other parts of the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Southern Cape.
Strong to Gale Force Winds
Strong to Gale Force (45 - 75 km/h) gusty North Westerly to Westerly winds can be expected along the West Coast, Western-, Southern and Eastern Cape coastline. Strong to Near Gale Force (35 - 80 km/h) gusty winds can also be expected over parts of the interior. Wind damage is possible in areas.
Possible flooding
Localized flooding is expected in parts of the Cape, Overberg, Cape Winelands and West Coast. Flooding of road and informal settlements is expected in these areas up to Saturday. Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions can be reported to the Cape Towns City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089. The local authorities of other regions should be contacted if assistance is needed. In the event of flooding do not try to cross flooded roads, ravines, rivers or streams. Turn around....do not drown!!
Very cold conditions (- to 0 Deg/C) is expected behind the cold front as cold air is moving in over the Western-, Southern-, and Northern Cape. Temperatures are expected to drop as the freezing levels lower to 1200 - 1500 meters. With enough moisture and dropping freezing levels snowfalls are expected over parts of the mountains in the Northern and Western Cape.
Snowfall
Snow is expected over parts of the Northern-, Southern- and Western Cape mountains. Snow Forecast by Snow Report SA:
"The snow is coming again to the WC! By Thursday morning, our Western Cape followers will notice a very sharp drop in temperature, and some light snow would already have started falling on the Cederberg, and the high peaks around Ceres and Wellington. Snow will continue over the high peaks through the day and into the night. We can then expect some light snow falls over the high peaks into the eastern parts of the Western Cape by Friday morning. It is still unclear as to the snow effects further east into the Eastern Cape, but we will be updating the forecast maps every day this week as the front gets closer, and will keep you all informed of new developments. Although the forecast has been very consistent over the past few days, there is still a chance that the front may move south, and reduce the impact on land, but we will let you know if this happens." - Snow Report SA
Raging Veld Fires
Poor to bad visibility can be expected as the risk for run-away veld fires increase with the high fire danger conditions in parts of the country. 448 fires were detected over the past 24 hours in South Africa. This figure is expected to increase as strong to gale force winds precedes the cold front. Please contact your nearest fire fighting unit, Working on Fire or Local Fire Fighting Service when fires are observed. The earlier a fire is detected to better the chances of extinguishing the fire.
Rough seas
With all the above "ingredients" the sea is surely to be churned up. Rough seas with wave heights of between 4 - 6 meters are expected along the coastal areas of the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Southern Cape and Eastern Cape
Storm Damage
Storm damage is expected as a result of this intense cold front. If you observe any storm damage in your area, please forward details, images and description to @SAWXREP We need to keep the public informed at all times.
Finally: As always do not underestimate any weather system. MSBWX will monitor this front closely and will bring you updates as this system moves across the country.
SAWXREP need your real time weather observations i.o.w. if you observe heavy rain, flooding, strong wind, rough seas, storm damage etc. Please inform the SAWXREP so that we in turn can keep the public informed. Tweet us at @SAWXREP or post on our Facebook timeline by clicking HERE. Do not assume that SAWXREP knows for certain that severe weather has occurred. Help us to spread the word about severe weather and NEVER assume that your weather observation report is not important. SAWXREP would like to hear from you.
Images: Eumetsat, SAWS, NCEP, 1stweather, Weather Forecast.com and Snow Report SA (Click on images for larger view.)
- MSBWX + SAWXREP
