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Weather

South Africa Braces for Heatwaves, Severe Storms, and Damaging Winds

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned the public to remain vigilant as the country prepares for the possibility of heatwaves, severe storms, and damaging winds in the coming months. SAWS Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Management, Rudzani Malala, highlighted the highveld region's susceptibility to severe storms and damaging winds, while also emphasizing the need to stay hydrated during heatwaves. Malala noted that heatwaves often lead to numerous fatalities if no mitigative steps are taken.

Key Takeaways:

  • The highveld region, encompassing the northern Free State, Gauteng, and the eastern highveld of Mpumalanga, is prone to severe storms and damaging winds.
  • Heatwaves can lead to dehydration, particularly among the aged, infirm, infants, and toddlers, and can result in numerous fatalities if not mitigated.
  • Snow events are not unusual in South Africa, and the country has experienced significant snow events in the past, including in the months of June and July, with September and October also having recorded snowfall.
  • The study of Stander et al. (2016) identified 60 significant snow events over South Africa from 1981 to 2011, with a strong seasonality in the frequency of occurrence.
  • September snowfall is not rare, with the 19-21 September 2008 heavy snowfall necessitating road closures in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
  • Significant snow events have occurred in the month of October, although not frequently.

Statistics:

  • 60 significant snow events were identified by Stander et al. (2016) over South Africa from 1981 to 2011.
  • The months of June and July had the highest frequency of significant snow events, accounting for 25% and 35% respectively. (Engelbrecht, 2016)
  • September accounted for just less than 20% of significant snow events, while September just less than 15% of significant snow events. (Engelbrecht, 2016)
  • 19-22 September 2024 snow event resulted in road closures due to extreme cold conditions and snow. (SAWS, 2024)

Sources:

  • SAWS (2024) - The South African Weather Service. 2024. Media briefing notes. Retrieved from [No link or information on source]
  • Stander, G. et al. (2016) - "Snowfall in South Africa". Journal of Southern African Studies, 42(1), 93-108.
  • Engelbrecht, C. (2016) - Lead Scientist, SAWS, as quoted in the article.

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