Mtunzini sets new low temperature record in recent cold spell

WHILE the below-average cold spell experienced across Zululand over the past few days was, to us, bitterly cold, it by no means put us in the same freezing, or in some cases below freezing, situation as many other South Africans.

Having said that, Mtunzini was one of the towns that set a new low-temperature record, breaking the previous record which held for some 28 years.

According to the SA Weather Service (SAWS), at least 19 low-temperature weather records were broken in the 24 hours between Thursday and Friday last week, some of which held for 61 years.

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Warmbad Towoomba broke its previous low-temperature record when it recorded -5.6 degrees (previously -5.5). This was one of the records that held for 61 years.

The other two low-temperature records that held for 61 years were Johannesburg which last week recorded a low of -7 degrees (previously -6.3) and Kimberley which recorded -9.9 degrees last week (previous low was -8.3).

While Clarens residents reported a Thursday night low of -14, this has not been verified by the SAWS.

Other low-temperature records set last week included Kroonstad which recorded a new low of -8 (previously -7.3), breaking a 43-year record.

Closer to home, Mtunzini broke a 28-year record when it recorded a new low temperature of 1 degree (previously 1.8), while the King Shaka airport weather station recorded a new low of 0.9 degrees (previously 2.1), breaking an 11-year record.

But after these icy conditions, South Africans can look forward to some warmer weather as conditions improve from tomorrow (Monday).

📢A total of 19 new records smashed over the last 24 hours. Many of these records are minimum temperatures. pic.twitter.com/H4E99Drt2o

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 23, 2021