Warnings of gale-force winds and constantly dropping temperatures in the Eastern Cape have been a regular feature on the South African Weather Service website for well over a week now.
According to their media liaison Vaneesha Vanetiaphak the howling gales will only begin to subside on Wednesday afternoon, leaving Grahamstown with temperatures close to zero for the next week.
Warnings of gale-force winds and constantly dropping temperatures in the Eastern Cape have been a regular feature on the South African Weather Service website for well over a week now.
According to their media liaison Vaneesha Vanetiaphak the howling gales will only begin to subside on Wednesday afternoon, leaving Grahamstown with temperatures close to zero for the next week.
With the National Arts Festival only two days away, locals and Festival-goers should prepare themselves for a bitterly cold few days and are advised to protect themselves from the chills amid all the anticipated thrills.
Birch’s department store sales manager Marc Swindells noted that customers seem to be opting for hoodies and pull-over jerseys to keep warm so far this winter. “But I have no doubt that I'll see more customers coming in to purchase coats when temperatures become too cold to bear,” he said.
From tomorrow (Wednesday) until the following Monday one can expect temperatures ranging between 5 and 10 degrees, according to the Weather Service, while the wind speed will average on 15km per hour every day all through the Festival.
“I’m dreading the cold this month,” said Grahamstown resident Anda Nurse. “But what would Festival be without a little chill? We must embrace the cold and look forward to hosting a successful event.”
Out-of-town visitors who aren't familiar with Grahamstown’s weather should take note that temperatures drop substantially after 5pm and layers of warm clothing will be needed later in the day and at night.
Most Festival accommodation provides visitors with adequate heating.
