Image: Unsplash / Ashley Jurius
A dangerous weather system brewing off the west coast of South Africa is expected to unleash powerful storms across large parts of Southern Africa this week.
A cut-off low pressure system (COL), currently hovering around 1 000km northwest of Cape Town, is spinning ominously over the Atlantic and slowly inching southeast towards the country.
Forecasters warn this slow-moving weather giant is packing a violent punch, with severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, intense lightning and damaging winds all expected from Monday through Wednesday.
According to the latest forecast updates issued at 8am and 10:20am on Monday, the first signs of storm activity are already visible west of the country. Satellite and wind maps show thunderstorm development intensifying along with the distinct swirling motion of the COL. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is on high alert, with a strong likelihood of multiple warnings being issued.
Monday’s impact zone includes parts of Namibia’s southeast, southwestern Botswana, and much of the Northern Cape, North West, Free State and northwestern KwaZulu-Natal. By Tuesday, the storm is forecast to intensify further and extend into the Eastern Cape, Lesotho, and deeper into the Western Cape.
A major concern is Wednesday morning, when the trailing edge of the COL could dump very heavy rain over the southeastern parts of the Western Cape and the southwestern zones of the Eastern Cape. Localised flooding, travel disruptions, and property damage are all possibilities.
Gauteng, western Mpumalanga, parts of Limpopo, and eastern KwaZulu-Natal could also see severe weather by midweek as the system sweeps inland.
Residents are urged to monitor weather updates closely, especially from SAWS, which is expected to release official warnings. Experts stress the importance of remaining vigilant, avoiding flood-prone areas, and taking storm precautions seriously as the system tracks over the country.
The developing storm poses a significant risk to infrastructure and safety, especially with the potential for hail and high winds. Stay safe, and stay informed.
Article shared by Cape Town ETC.
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