Good morning and happy Tuesday from a very cold George in the Western Cape! 🚨“COMMA SHAPE” AND “SCORPION’S TAIL” | 02:10, 10|06|2025 🚨 1. COMMA SHAPE: The life cycle of a Cut-Off Low (COL) in the Southern Hemisphere is typically divided into four stages: the Upper Trough Stage, Tear-Off Stage, Cut-Off Stage, and the Final Stage. These stages can unfold over a period of up to six days. The latest satellite image (02:10) shows the classic comma shape of the cloud bands—this is the main feature that signifies the Cut-Off stage of the system. When you see that distinctive swirl, it’s a sign that the system has reached its mature—and most intense—phase. 2. STING JET / “SCORPION’S TAIL”: Satellite imagery also shows a sting jet—commonly known as the Scorpion’s Tail— has developed over the southeastern parts of South Africa. Can you see it? What are wind conditions like along the east coast? ⚠️ Gale- to severe gale-force sustained winds (62–88 km/h), gusting to 90–100 km/h, along with very rough seas and high, potentially damaging waves (possibly enhanced by the full moon effect), are expected along the southeast and east coast today. Gusts of up to 160 km/h are possible just offshore, over the Indian Ocean. The term sting jet originates from the bent-back occlusion that develops on the rear flank of a low-pressure system (in this case, the COL). It creates a tighter pressure gradient on the trailing side than the leading side. The name refers to the cloud shape seen on satellite images—it curves around the center of the system, resembling a scorpion’s tail. A visual cue to serious weather. While a sting jet doesn’t directly cause snowfall, it greatly amplifies the storm system’s intensity. As it wraps around the low, it pulls in cold air and accelerates winds. If there's enough moisture and cold air present, it can enhance both snowfall and rainfall. That’s why 12 Level 2–6 (yellow to orange) warnings have been issued today in areas affected by the sting jet. The first heads-up about this feature was issued by #swaicsa last Thursday, on my birthday. It’s surprising that no official statement by SAWS has been made about this feature—it is a rare phenomenon for South Africa. A second heads-up about its possible development was issued on Saturday. *Very strong windgusts (60-90 km/h) can also be expected over parts of both eastern Free State and Mpumalanga, eSwatini and north-western and northern KZN. Please remain vigilant, follow the timeline for updates and stay safe. Image credit to Windy. 🟩 Know Your Weather, Know Your Risk. 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/swaicsa/?ref=share #swaicsa #scorpionstail #cutofflow #severeweather #galeforcewinds #weatheralert