Residents brace for icy temperatures this week

While the worst of the cold front has passed over the Western Cape, residents will still have to contend with the frosty temperatures.

Cape residents particularly felt the winter weather this weekend, with the cold front bringing persistent rain and freezing temperatures.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, said they were monitoring for any impacts from the current forecast, but “thus far, no significant impacts have been reported to the Disaster Operations Centre, although this situation might change as the day progresses”.

SA Weather Services (SAWS) Senior Forecaster Kate Turner said the cold front passed over the province on Saturday, but icy temperatures were expected throughout the week.

“A cut off low pressure (system) develops over the central parts of the country (on Monday), which is causing rain and showers over the central, eastern and southern parts of the country, but significant and heavy rainfall is expected over the Eastern Cape for Monday and Tuesday.

“Significant snowfalls are also expected over the northern parts of the Eastern Cape and extreme southern parts of the Free State,” Turner said.

On social media, the SAWS account explained that by Monday and tomorrow a significant and dramatic drop in daytime temperatures can be expected over all provinces, with the possible exception of Limpopo, due to this extensive and severe winter weather system.

“Consequently, farmers of small stock are strongly advised to implement appropriate measures to prevent stock losses due to exposure to bitter cold and wind.”

As for the outlook for the Western Cape this week, Turner said that cold daytime temperatures are still expected for Monday and Tuesday, “gradually increasing towards the end of the week”.

“Very cold minimum temperatures can be expected for the week. Widespread frost is likely over the interior from Wednesday to Saturday.”

Turner urged that the public dress warmly and avoid outdoor activities to best prepare for the weather.

“Be aware of possible closure of roads, icy road conditions and increase your following driving distances.”

Residents were urged to direct any requests for City services via the online platforms or the Customer call centre on 0860 103 089, while emergency incidents should be directed to the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.

Cape Times