The first cold front of the new season is creeping across South Africa and while it will be a shock to the system, there are a few warnings to keep in mind if you do head outdoors.
South Africa (12 May 2023) – We are getting our first true cold front of the season so let’s all prepare for the shock that is to come. We are summer people here at Good Things Guy; it’s hard not to be when the South African climate is such a good one. But loving summer means the first cold snap always comes as a shock.
This first cold front will affect most of South Africa. Several weather and safety warnings have been issued in the last few days so we thought we would compile them here for you, to help in your preparations.
As always, bring your animals indoors; if you feel the cold, so do they! You can support shelters for people living on the streets using our list here, or if you are looking for any kind of charitable cause, you can find all our lists here.
The NSRI
“NSRI are appealing for safety during the cold front expected to prevail over the weekend in places around South Africa.
Strong winds, heavy rain, flood conditions and flash floods, thundershowers, and rough sea conditions – are forecast by SAWS (South African Weather Services) in places across the country.
Seafarers, shoreline anglers, coastal hikers and bathers are urged to be cautious during rough sea conditions around the coast.
We appeal to seafarers, especially fishermen and sailors, to wear their life jackets during rough sea conditions.
Do not attempt to cross over bridges, roadways or through rivers affected by flood conditions and be cautious of flash floods along inland riverways.
Extreme Sports enthusiasts, making the most of strong winds and rough seas, are urged to have all safety measures in place including NSRI’s RSA SafeTrx smartphone application (learn more here).
Even after a cold front has passed sea conditions can remain rough in places around the coast. Deep sea storms can bring rough sea conditions to the shoreline even when weather conditions are good around the coastline.
NSRI and the emergency services are as always on alert to respond to emergencies.
Have safety top of mind at all times, especially during adverse weather conditions.”
The South African Weather Service (SAWS)
The SAWS has issued weather warnings related to cold temperatures which could lead to snow in neighbouring Lesotho as well as cold, wet and windy weather. The expected rains could additionally lead to localised flooding in parts of the country.
“Given the expectation of an extended spell of cold, wet weather as well as the possibility of snowfalls over mountainous parts of Western, Northern and Eastern Cape, farmers of small stock are advised to move animals to dry shelters at lower elevations. Moreover, only experienced, well-prepared hikers and climbers should venture into the mountains and hiking trails of Western and Eastern Cape as well as KZN (especially the Drakensberg region) this weekend. The risk of hypothermia in mountainous terrain, especially if lost, injured or ill-prepared could prove to be life-threatening.
Daytime temperatures for the weekend are expected to be of the order of 12 to 16°C over the interior of the Cape provinces on Friday, with cold, showery conditions spreading into the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KZN during the weekend.”
You can stay updated with expected weather changes via the SAWS website here.
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