‘Intense’ cold front warning

SOUTH Africans were warned of an “intense” cold front expected to hit some parts of the country tomorrow.

SA Weather Service has issued warnings for the incoming cold front currently hitting the Western Cape with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 9°C over the week.

The cold front was expected to bring snow and heavy rain today, spreading the chill to other provinces, including Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, which will see a slight drop in temperatures over the next few days. The weather service has predicted a disruptive snowfall of 10-20cm falling over areas of the Northern Cape and Western Cape today. Up to 80mm of rain was also expected to fall today across the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape.

Forecaster Kgolofelo Mahlangu said: “Today (Monday) the cold front is worse in Cape Town and the rest of the province. Temperatures are also expected to drop by Wednesday across Gauteng and other interior provinces, leaving very cold conditions.”

Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, said: “The rain predicted is 50mm, but more rain in the high-lying areas like Hout Bay and Kirstenbosch. The weather service has also advised on possible mudslides.”

The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services said: “Heat energy sources… can bring devastating consequences and in extreme cases, lives can be lost.

“Everyone is advised to be extra cautious when dealing with household energy sources.

“Keep flammable liquids such as paraffin, petrol and others away from all heat energy sources. Keep heaters away from combustibles. Don’t place any type of heater in a confined space. Fireplaces needs to be closely monitored as well.”