Cut-off low expected this weekend!

SOUTH AFRICA – A strong upper air system called a cut-off low is expected this weekend over the country. Heavy rain with strong winds are expected. Stay tuned for warnings.

What is a cut-off low?

When we look at upper air troughs we typically look at a height of about 5.5 km or air pressure of 500 hPa.

Closed lows start as upper air troughs that close off from the mean westerly flow of the mid-latitudes but do not completely detach. When the system completely detaches from the westerly flow it is called a cut-off low.

What to expect from a cut-off low?

Thunderstorms

Windy Conditions

Heavy rain which could lead to localized flooding

Snowfall