Mbabane – Most parts of the country are currently navigating a period of severe weather, with the Eswatini Meteorological Service issuing a stark advisory on ongoing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The ongoing weather system, experienced this week, is expected to persist, bringing heavy downpours, strong winds and a heightened risk of flooding.
The Eswatini Meteorological Service (EMS) reported that the country is under the influence of a low-pressure system, described as an “intense weather system.” This type of system is associated with widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms, which both bring risks of flooding in many parts of the country. The system, the service explained, has intensified regional weather conditions.
Meteorologists stated that the heavy rainfall has been caused by an ongoing integrated weather system that has swept over parts of southern Africa. South Africa is under the same system, which has also affected areas such as Mpumalanga, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and even parts of Mozambique.
According to the EMS, heavy rainfall of 50 millimetres or more was expected from yesterday into the early hours of today. In some older river systems, the water levels were already rising, with rivers such as Usuthu, Komati/Komanzini, Great Usutu and Ngwavuma recording high water levels. These rivers are generally considered smaller or tributaries, but the recent rainfall has caused them to swell. In January, rivers that were already lying low suddenly flooded, revealing the powerful impact of heavy rains on local waterways.
During January, rainfall resulted in several smaller rivers in the country overflowing. Bridges were affected and, in some cases, road closures occurred. Weather authorities stated that the same risk remains. With ongoing rainfall, the country may experience dam-level rises, especially in the Highveld, Mbabane, Hhohho and other high-altitude regions.
Meteorologists further explained that a drop in temperatures has been brought on by the same weather system. Today’s forecast shows the temperature dropping to as low as 12 degrees in some areas, which will make conditions not only wet, cloudy and cold, but very cold in some provinces. Shiselweni and parts of Manzini are expected to experience dips in temperatures, with the cold front settling over these regions through the week.
Shilongwane said these kinds of rains have a dark formation which may produce strong winds—dangerous in an already unstable weather period. “Often, the drop in temperatures can bring in small hail, and deep thunder showers,” he said. These conditions heighten the risk of flooding or impassable roads in certain areas.
The EMS also revealed that in some parts of the country, there is a heightened risk of flash floods. A flash flood is described as a sudden and powerful flow of water that can sweep away people and vehicles. The meteorological office has urged the public to take necessary precautions, avoid crossing flooded rivers, and to monitor official weather updates.
Motorists have been advised to reduce speed, avoid travelling in heavy rainfall and to follow road safety instructions. The EMS added that prolonged rainfall may cause high water to cross low-lying bridges and could also cause flooding in the Lowveld and Lubombo regions.
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