Two cold fronts are expected to develop on Monday (19 May) following through until 23 May with a high likelihood of snow in some parts of the Western Cape, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and Snow Report South Africa reported.
Rain
On Monday a cold front will make landfall resulting in wet, cold, and windy conditions over the western parts of the Western Cape.
“While this system will not be intense, it serves as a precursor to the more significant weather system that will follow the next day,” the SAWS reported.
“On Tuesday (20 May) the above-mentioned weather conditions will spread to the east, affecting the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape.”
“Rainfall accumulations are expected to range between 15 to 25 mm, with a possibility of reaching 30 to 50 mm in mountainous areas.”
“The persistent and continuous rainy conditions may lead to localised floods, particularly in areas with poor drainage and low-lying regions.”
“Strong and gusty westerly to north-westerly winds, with wind speeds averaging between 55 and 65 km/h, are expected across the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and the Eastern Cape.”
For maritime operators and coastal residents, westerly to north-westerly gale-force winds (65-75 km/h) are expected along the coastline, particularly from Alexander Bay through to Plettenberg Bay, the SAWS reported.
“These high winds will result in very rough seas on Tuesday and Wednesday (21 May), leading to sea conditions that could impact small vessels and coastal activities.”
“There is also a possibility of abnormal waves along the south-eastern coast, with wave heights of 5,0 to 6.5 m, occasionally peaking at 7.0 m, with a 10 seconds wave period on Wednesday.”
“In addition, freezing levels are expected to drop considerably, creating conditions favourable for some snowfall over high-lying areas and a general drop in temperatures.”
Snow
Snowy conditions is also set to reach parts of the Western Cape, including the Drakenstein this coming week.
“The high peaks around regular snow areas such as Paarl, Franschhoek, Worcester, Tulbagh, De Doorns, Ceres, the Cederberg, the Koue Bokkeveld, Montagu, Robertson, Swellendam, the Swartberg range around Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn and De Rust as well as Uniondale are currently in the snow zone,” Snow Report South Africa stated.
The snowfall for some areas currently indicate to be over 10 cm to 25 cm. Anyone planning to hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve in Franschhoek, should refrain from doing so before Wednesday.
- Sources consulted for this article include the SAWS as well as Snow Report South Africa.
