With South Africans going to the polls next week, weather conditions are expected to be sunny and cool over most parts of the country. While many of the northern provinces can expect sunny and warm conditions.
“It is undoubtedly good news that no severe or extreme weather is anticipated in the lead up to, and including, voting day. [What] is also very encouraging is that daytime weather conditions will remain pleasantly cool over the southern half of the country. The northern provinces will be warm, but not particularly hot,” the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said on Thursday.
South Africans will be exercising their democratic right to vote next week Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Unusually mild, settled weather conditions
“The persistence of such mild, settled weather conditions is somewhat unusual for this time of year. But will no doubt be welcomed by election officials as well as the public.
“Weather conditions in the period from Monday, 27 May to Wednesday, 29 May are likely to remain predominantly free of rain and clouds. Rainfall, if any, is expected to be light and very localised in nature,” SAWS said.
On Monday, May 27, 2024, the country could see a few light showers along the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Some early morning fog and drizzle patches can be expected along the eastern escarpment areas. These are in Mpumalanga and Limpopo on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
“At this stage, voting day is expected to remain dry and rain-free. A cold front will indeed be moving closer to the Western Cape on voting day. Current numeric weather prediction models (NWP) indicate a rainfall. The rainfall, associated with the arrival of the cold front, will only occur after Wednesday,” SAWS said.
The weather service has recommended that voters and election officials be cognisant of the outlook for predominantly sunny conditions. This applies to large parts of the country next week.
Voters urged to take precautions
“Wide-brimmed hats, sunblock and sunglasses are therefore recommended. Especially if voting queues result in voters standing in direct sunshine for extended periods. Moreover, it is a good idea to remember to drink water regularly, to avoid dehydration.
“It is also important to bear in mind that infants, small children as well as older people and the infirm are highly prone to dehydration. Especially when the weather is sunny, dry and warm. This will be the case on voting day, 29 May 2024,” SAWS said.
Next week’s predicted weather in summary:
- Monday: Sunny and cool conditions are expected. but it will be warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape. With isolated showers over the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Tuesday: Fine and cool conditions are expected. But it will be warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape. A 30% chance of drizzle and showers is expected along the escarpment of north-eastern areas.
- Wednesday: Warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, North West and Northern Cape. Otherwise sunny and cool. It will be windy and gusty over the western interior, especially from mid-morning onwards. Blowing dust could locally reduce visibility over these areas. It could also result in minor disruption and discomfort for voters at voting stations.
SAWS said it will continue to monitor any further weather developments. It will issue subsequent warnings if any need arises.
- SAnews.gov.za
