The predominant wind in Cape Town is the South Easter which blows, at varying strength, for most of the summer months from October through to March, and beyond. This wind generally brings fine weather with it although it can be blustery and has been known to blow over trucks and people, and people in trucks. Generally though the wind brings with it cloudless skies (maybe some clouds along the mountain tops) and sunny weather.
There are rare times though that this wind combines with an unusual weather system and brings with it rain. When this happens, strong SE wind combined with heavy rain, it is called a black South Easter. It is so unusual it has been given it’s own unique name.
This past Sunday, 01 November 2015, we experienced a black South Easter. The morning started off with heavy rain falling straight down with no wind. Then within minutes the wind was up to gale force (even blowing over an electricity pylon – one of those big ones that look like big cats with pointy ears) and accompanied with the heavy rain we had a Black South Easter. The weather system that cause this is a called a cut off low pressure system. It didn’t last long and calm had been restored by late morning. The gale force wind was enough though to churn up False Bay and create some largish wind swell. These swells pounded into the Kalk Bay Harbour wall and made for some impressive views, and a drenching for some tourists. The rough water also churned itself up to create sea foam as can be seen in some of the images.
Enjoy the photos – click to enlarge.
