UPDATE: Upper air trough and cut-off low Western Cape: 9 -10 February 2013

We currently have a large cloud bank over parts of the Western and Northern Cape provinces this morning. As indicated before an upper air trough and cut-off is likely to develop further. The upper air trough might bring some thundershowers and cooler temperatures over parts of the Western Cape while the cut-off low (currently situated off shore) is likely to bring rain along the coastal belt while moving eastwards.

Rain and cooler conditions have been reported in Cape Town by Les Gutsche and Claire Horner. Mario Davy of Gansbaai report overcast conditions this morning, strong SE wind with thunder but no rain yet. The SAWS lighting chart shows widespread lighting strikes to the north and west of Cape Town.

General Overview: The SAWS issued severe thunderstorm warnings for the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State while extremely uncomfortable, hot and humid conditions are expected over northeastern part of Kwazulu Natal.

We all know that it is difficult to exactly predict where precipitation is expected as a result of the cut-off low. The SAWDOS would like to warn all communities to remain on full alert. SAWDOS will once again bring you the latest updates as the system progresses. It is difficult to say for certain if the system will result in severe weather, however at this stage the system should be observed full time and throughout the weekend. SAWDOS is currently monitoring this system very closely en encourage all it's weather observers to do the same.

All SAWDOS Weather Observers and even non SAWDOS weather observers are hereby requested to report heavy continues rain and other abnormal weather phenomena in their area of observation. Be alert and send observations to the SAWDOS as we will in turn publish the observations to the benefit of the general public.

Send information to:

SAWDOS Email: Click HERE

SMS Information to: 076 251 3482

Twitter Messages:  @SAWDOS1

Facebook: Click HERE.

Images: SAT24 +  U.S. National Center for Environmental Prediction