GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - South Africans will be exercising their democratic right to vote next week Wednesday, 29 May 2024.
Sunny and cool conditions will continue to dominate over most parts of the country during next week, whilst many of the northern provinces can even expect sunny and warm 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 between 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 nature.
Monday 27 May could see a few light showers along the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, whilst some early morning fog and drizzle patches can be expected along the eastern escarpment areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo on Tuesday, 28 May 2024.
At this stage, voting day Wednesday, 29 May 2024 is expected to remain dry and rain-free.
A cold front will indeed be moving closer to the Western Cape on voting day, however, current numeric weather prediction models (NWP) indicate that rainfall associated with the arrival of the cold front will only occur after Wednesday.
Summary of predicted weather conditions for Monday, 27 May 2024: 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.
Summary of predicted weather conditions for Tuesday, 28 May 2024: Fine and cool conditions are expected, but it will be warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal & Northern Cape.
There is a 30% chance of drizzle & showers expected along the escarpment of north-eastern areas. Summary of predicted weather conditions for Wednesday, 29 May 2024: 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 and could also result in minor disruption and discomfort for voters at voting stations.
Predicted weather conditions for Monday, 27 May 2024: 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.
Predicted weather conditions for Tuesday, 28 May 2024: 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. There is a 30% chance of drizzle and showers expected along the escarpment of north-eastern areas.
Predicted weather conditions for Wednesday, 29 May 2024: Sunny and cool, but it will be warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, North West and Northern Cape. It will be windy and gusty over the western interior, especially from mid-morning onwards. Blowing dust could locally reduce visibility over these areas and could also result in minor disruption at voting stations.
It is undoubtedly good news that no severe or extreme weather is anticipated in the lead-up to, and including, voting day. It is also very encouraging that daytime weather conditions will remain pleasantly cool over the southern half of the country, whilst the northern provinces will be warm, but not particularly hot.
It is recommended that voters and election officials be cognisant of the outlook for predominantly sunny conditions for large parts of the country next week. Wide-brimmed hats, sunblock and sunglasses are therefore recommended by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), 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, in order to avoid dehydration. It is also important to bear in mind that infants, small children as well as the elderly and infirm are highly prone to dehydration, especially when the weather is sunny, dry and warm, as will be the case on voting day, 29 May 2024.
The SAWS will continue to monitor any further weather developments and will issue subsequent warnings if any need arises. Furthermore, the public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio.
Updated information in this regard will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as via the SA Weather Service Twitter account @SAWeatherService
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