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- Low-pressure systems known as cut-off lows are the leading cause of weather-related deaths in South Africa, say scientists
- Cut-off lows can sometimes cause heavy downpours and strong winds, with flooding exacerbated by human factors such as urbanisation
- The floods in the Western Cape in September were caused by a cut-off low
Cut-off lows are low-pressure systems that develop south of South Africa. They get cut off from the prevailing westerly winds and move north, bringing much-needed rain and sometimes snow to the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. About 11 cut-off lows pass over South Africa a year, but only one is likely to bring strong winds and heavy rains that cause flooding. Since the 1980s, more than 20 have resulted in fatalities, making them the leading cause of weather-related deaths in South Africa. The problems are exacerbated by urban development and poorly maintained infrastructure.
— 9 October, 2023Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for more charts like this
