The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for cold temperatures and strong winds expected to affect large parts of the country this week.

The Western, Northern and Eastern Cape provinces are expected to be affected first, before the low-pressure system moves into central and eastern regions. The system is expected to bring possible snowfall in high-lying areas.

Authorities say severe thunderstorms are expected in the Free State and North West provinces, with a risk of flooding.

Forecaster Tokelo Chiloane says, “By Tuesday and Wednesday, the rain will spread into the central and eastern provinces, bringing a marked increase in wet and cold conditions. The SAWS warns of disruptive rainfall that may lead to flooding over the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, damaging winds and waves along the coastline, and disruptive snowfall over high-lying areas of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape provinces, as well as the Northern Cape province”.

“Severe thunderstorms over the Free State and northwest provinces, where significant impacts were already observed last week,” Chiloane says.

Residents are advised to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions as conditions are expected to worsen.

–SABC–