MBABANE – Temperatures are expected to plunge to 4°C today in the capital city as a severe cold front brings freezing rain, strong winds and widespread cold conditions.
The National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) warned members of the public to prepare for severe cold conditions and frost expected this week, with the western parts of the country likely to experience the most significant impacts.
The warning follows forecasts from the Eswatini Meteorological Service indicating extremely low temperatures over the coming days, accompanied by rain, strong winds and freezing conditions in affected areas.
These conditions, according to the NDRMA, could pose risks to human health, livestock, crops, water infrastructure and other exposed assets, particularly during the coldest periods.
It was said temperatures falling to 0°C or below can result in water freezing and may contribute to cold-related illnesses, crop damage, livestock losses and damage to exposed water infrastructure.
The NDRMA said as residents use fires, heaters and other sources of warmth, NDRMA is also urging heightened fire safety. They said heaters and open flames should be kept away from combustible materials and never left unattended.
“Fuel-burning appliances require adequate ventilation, and charcoal or similar appliances should never be used inside poorly ventilated rooms because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.
“Particular attention should be given to young children and infants, older persons, people living in poorly insulated or inadequately heated homes, people without adequate shelter, persons with disabilities, outdoor workers, farmers and communities in areas prone to extremely low temperatures,” the statement reads in part.
NDRMA called on community leaders, local authorities, schools, businesses and households to identify people who may require additional assistance, check on vulnerable households, share official weather information and promptly report serious incidents.
Meanwhile, the Eswatini Meteorological Service also warned that the system, caused by an aggressive cold front and an upper-level trough moving across Southern Africa.
The Eswatini Meteorological Service said the cold front is expected to bring a sharp drop in temperatures, widespread rain and very strong winds.
The highveld is expected to be worst affected by the cold, with maximum temperatures remaining below 10°C today and tomorrow.
Freezing rain is also possible, particularly over the highveld and areas along the western border with Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The eastern parts of the country are expected to bear the brunt of strong and potentially damaging winds.
The cold spell began taking hold yesterday after thick morning fog was reported in several areas, followed by overcast and cold conditions.
Rain fell mainly over the western parts, while increasingly windy conditions developed in the east.
Mbabane recorded a minimum of 8°C and a maximum of 11°C yesterday. Mankayane ranged between 9°C and 12°C, while Manzini recorded 11°C to 14°C.
Siteki registered 10°C to 13°C, Mhlume 12°C to 16°C and Big Bend 9°C to 17°C.
The weather conditions are expected to deteriorate sharply today.
Mbabane is forecast to fall to 4°C, with a maximum of only 7°C. Mankayane is expected to range between 5°C and 8°C, while Manzini will record 7°C to 10°C.
Siteki is forecast to reach a minimum of 6°C and a maximum of 9°C. Mhlume will range between 8°C and 12°C, while Big Bend is expected to record 9°C to 13°C.
Occasional rain showers and freezing rain are expected mainly over the western parts, while the rest of the country remains overcast and cold.
The bitter conditions will continue into tomorrow, with light rain and intermittent fog expected in parts of the country.
Mbabane is forecast to record 5°C to 8°C, while Mankayane will range between 6°C and 9°C.
Manzini is expected to record 8°C to 11°C, Siteki 7°C to 10°C, Mhlume 9°C to 13°C and Big Bend 10°C to 14°C.
Windy conditions are expected to continue mainly over the eastern parts, while the Highveld remains very cold.
The cold front is expected to begin easing its grip on Thursday, when sunny intervals are forecast despite generally cloudy and cold conditions.
Mbabane should improve to 5°C to 11°C, while Manzini is expected to reach 14°C. Mhlume could rise to 17°C and Big Bend to 18°C.
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