Acting Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has urged South Africans to exercise caution in light of the South African Weather Service's (SAWS) alert regarding expected drops in temperature and possible snowfall.
This comes after parts of the country were hit by heavy snowfall, affecting Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape over the past weekend.
Heavy snowfall caused havoc on the N3 toll route and other regional roads, stranding scores of motorists, including truck drivers and bus commuters and causing loss of life.
Meanwhile, according to the SAWS, light snow can be expected over the Drakensberg this weekend.
The forecasters said weather conditions are expected to change significantly with predictions of cooling over the escarpment regions of South Africa, extending from the Western Cape up to the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Indicators also show that daytime temperatures are likely to start cooling down over the Western Cape from Sunday, 29 September 2024, reaching the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal region by Monday, 30 September 2024.
In a statement released by the SAWS, the expected snowfall will follow a similar trend, starting in the Western Cape early on Sunday morning, 29 September 2024 and spreading eastward towards KwaZulu-Natal Monday morning, 30 September 2024.
“Snowfall is expected to clear up in the Western Cape and western parts of the Eastern Cape by Monday evening.”
However, snowfall will persist on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, over the eastern parts of Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the department, the cold front will also bring rain and showers to the Western Cape and surrounding areas.
“Temperatures are set to drop significantly, particularly in higher regions, with some areas experiencing highs below 10°C on Monday.
“Strong winds and large ocean swells are anticipated along the South Coast. Rainfall is expected to be around 30 mm from September 29 to October 1, with light snowfall in high areas of the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and southern KwaZulu-Natal.”
The Acting CoGTA Minister has since reiterated the SAWS’ precautions for citizens to listen to warnings on the radio or television, stay indoors, dress warmly if going outside, and cover their mouths in extreme cold to protect their lungs.
Kubayi also suggested that people avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and smoking, as this increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
She also urged residents and farmers to keep small livestock sheltered from the cold. – SAnews.gov.za
