Residents of the Eastern Cape can expect bad weather
for the upcoming weekend of July 5 to 7. Light falls of snow are expected in
some high-lying areas of the province. Snowfalls will be accompanied by showers
and wind along the coast.
A strong wind alert has been issued for several
municipalities in the Eastern Cape, including Buffalo City, Kouga, Makana,
Ndlambe, Nelson Mandela Bay, Ngqushwa, and Sundays River Valley this morning (July
5). The wind, expected to come from the west and southwest, may reach gale
force along the coast and nearby areas. This could mean winds averaging 56 to
66 km/h with gusts up to 80 to 90 km/h.
The impact of these winds could include damage to
homes, buildings, and infrastructure. Travel conditions may become hazardous,
especially for high-sided vehicles on exposed roads or bridges. There is also a
risk of power outages and disrupted communication, along with an increased
chance of wildfires.
In a Facebook post by the South African Weather
Service, it said, “A series of cold fronts approach the country towards the
weekend. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, and snow is forecast
over the mountains of the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces this weekend.”
In a depiction of the weather alert, impact-based
warnings sit at level 2 for damaging waves and damaging winds along the coast.
The rainfall probability shows 30% isolated rainfall, 60% scattered rainfall,
and 80% widespread rainfall.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and emergency
services are urging caution among various coastal activities due to the new
moon spring tide peaking this weekend. This will lead to higher-than-normal
high tides and lower-than-normal low tides, which pose hazards such as stronger
rip currents.
A media release from the National Sea Rescue Institute
said, “NSRI and the emergency services are appealing to bathers, boaters,
paddlers, sailors, shoreline anglers, and coastal hikers to be cautious around
the coastline as the new moon spring tide peaks today – peaking on Saturday
during the early morning.”
The new moon spring tide will peak on July 6, after
midnight. According to the same NSRI media release, “Spring tides pose a
potential hazard to bathers around the coastline – at all times but noticeably
especially during the outgoing tide.”
We are urgently appealing to coastal water users to be cautious during this new moon spring tide phase and the effect spring tide has around the coast over this weekend.
Some tips from the NSRI:
• Be aware of coastal hiking trails that can be cut
off during high tide.
• Anglers fishing along the shoreline are urged to
keep a safe distance away from the shoreline.
• Be aware of adverse weather, strong winds,
fast-flowing rivers, and sea currents and drifts.
• Responsible
supervision and awareness of weather forecasts are crucial to ensuring
everyone’s safety during this period. To stay safe, be cautious of sudden
strong winds, fallen trees, and flying debris, particularly if traveling or
near buildings. Secure any temporary structures properly to prevent damage.
