A cold front is moving into Eswatini, causing a significant drop in temperatures nationwide. According to Meteorologist Sydney Lukhele at the Eswatini Meteorological Service, the cold front is leaving behind a high-pressure ridge, which will bring cold air from the south into the country. This will result in a sharp decline in overall temperatures. The atmospheric shift began on Monday, with cloudy and cold conditions expected across the nation, although temperatures will remain mild in the Lowveld region.
The cold front has already brought thunderstorms to parts of the country, signaling its movement. Light rain and fog are expected in localized areas throughout the day. In Mbabane, temperatures are forecast to range between a minimum of 11°C and a maximum of 13°C. Other areas, such as Mankayane, will record temperatures between 12°C and 14°C, while Manzini will experience temperatures between 14°C and 16°C.
The cold weather will persist into Tuesday, with rain and fog expected mainly over the western and northern parts of Eswatini. The rest of the country will remain cloudy and mild, although cold conditions will prevail in the Highveld. Temperatures will drop further in Mbabane, ranging from 9°C to 11°C. Mankayane will record minimums of 10°C and maximums of 12°C, while Manzini will see temperatures between 12°C and 14°C.
By Wednesday morning, rain and fog will continue primarily over the western parts of the country. Weather conditions will gradually transition to partly cloudy intervals and mild weather in most areas, while cold temperatures will linger in the Highveld region. Mbabane will record the lowest minimum temperature of the period at 8°C, rising to a maximum of 11°C.
The cold front will bring significant temperature drops to various parts of the country. In Siteki, temperatures will range between 11°C and 13°C, while Mhlume will record temperatures between 13°C and 16°C. Big Bend will reach a maximum of 19°C from a minimum of 16°C on Monday, and 17°C on Wednesday.
The Eswatini Meteorological Service has warned residents to prepare for the cold weather. The cold front is expected to bring cold air from the south, resulting in a sharp decline in overall temperatures. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm during this period.
The cold weather is expected to have a significant impact on various sectors, including agriculture and transportation. Farmers are advised to take measures to protect their crops from the cold weather, while motorists are warned to exercise caution on the roads due to possible fog and slippery conditions.
Key points
- A cold front is bringing a sharp decline in temperatures across Eswatini, with Mbabane forecast to reach a low of 11°C.
- The cold weather will persist into Tuesday and Wednesday, with rain and fog expected in various parts of the country.
- Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm during this period.
