Severe weather conditions: cold, wet, and windy weather expected during long weekend

Drivers and travelers are advised to be prepared for snow, heavy rain, storm winds, and potential flooding as a powerful winter storm moves across South Africa over the long weekend.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an early warning about a strong cold front and an associated upper tropical ridge, which is expected to reach the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday, August 9th, bringing dangerous weather conditions to many parts of the country during the long weekend.

According to SAWS, this system will bring 'cold to very cold, wet, and windy conditions, as well as rough seas with snowfall in the mountainous areas' of the Western and Northern Cape before spreading east into the Eastern Cape.

Conditions are forecast to worsen further on Monday, August 10th, as the weather system moves inland. SAWS reported that 'the upper tropical ridge is expected to deepen further as it moves over the central and eastern parts of the country,' leading to cold to very cold temperatures, widespread rain and downpours, and snowfall in the mountainous regions of Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.

Although the probability of light snowfall in other elevated regions is lower, weather officials noted that the highest confidence remains in the mountain ranges of these three provinces.

The meteorological agency warned that the storm system could trigger 'localized flooding in low-lying areas, on roads, bridges, and informal settlements due to prolonged rainfall,' especially where long rains occur.

There is also a threat from strong winds; SAWS warned of 'destructive winds that can lead to falling trees, roof and infrastructure damage, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions.'

Along the coast, rough seas and high waves may disrupt maritime activities and endanger coastal infrastructure.

Authorities have also expressed concern about the impact of the cold wave on vulnerable communities and livestock, warning that very low temperatures could increase the risk of frostbite and place additional strain on farmers.

Drivers traveling through mountain passes during the long weekend were strongly advised to exercise caution, as snowfall could cause dangerous road conditions, road closures, and transport disruptions.

SAWS urged the public, drivers, farmers, and disaster management agencies to stay informed by monitoring updates and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service, and to take necessary precautions as this weather system moves across the country.

Emergency services and disaster management teams must remain on high alert while the winter storm sweeps across South Africa during the long weekend.

iol.co.zaAugust 1, 08:00

Cold conditions expected in South Africa over the weekend, with wind and rain forecast for KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa is preparing for a cold and mostly dry weekend. The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 2 yellow warning for strong winds and rough sea conditions in parts of the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

Residents of South Africa can expect generally clear but cool weather this weekend. The South African Weather Service warns of strong winds and rough seas along parts of the KwaZulu-Natal coast, as well as localized precipitation in the eastern coastal areas of the province.

Wind and Wave Warnings

The Level 2 yellow warning remains in effect for destructive coastal winds and waves between Kudu Coast and Coes Bay until Sunday afternoon. These conditions may hinder navigation, disrupt small ports and harbors, and put small vessels at risk of capsizing.

A separate Level 2 yellow warning has been issued regarding destructive inland winds in the northeastern part of KwaZulu-Natal, where there is a possibility of localized damage to settlements.

On Saturday, generally clear weather is expected across the country, with cooler or cold conditions prevailing in the inland provinces, including Gauteng, Free State, and parts of the Eastern Cape. Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West will have generally good weather, although some cloudiness is expected in certain areas.

KwaZulu-Natal will be the only province with a significant chance of precipitation. The Weather Service forecasts a 30% probability of isolated showers and rain along the coast and adjacent inland areas from noon, with cloudier weather expected in the east. Morning fog is also expected in the central and western parts of the province.

The Eastern Cape, in turn, may experience morning fog and frost in inland areas before conditions improve later in the day. The Western Cape is forecast to remain clear and cool or warm, while the Northern Cape will be dry, except for evening fog along the coast.

As for Sunday, cool conditions will persist in many regions of the country. Isolated precipitation remains possible along the KwaZulu-Natal coast and neighboring areas, while most inland areas are expected to remain dry under partly cloudy or clear skies.

iol.co.zaJuly 27, 06:50

Western Cape prepares for stormy seas and strong winds as rain spreads eastward

Residents of South Africa can expect a cool start to the new week, as a cold weather system brings rain, scattered showers, and windy conditions to parts of the country on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Weather conditions in the southern regions

According to the South African Weather Service, most of the country will remain clear and cool, but variable cloudiness and lower temperatures are expected in the southern areas. Isolated or scattered rain and downpours are forecast along the southern coast, covering the Western Cape, parts of the Eastern Cape, and southern KwaZulu-Natal.

Rainfall and wind forecasts

The probability of precipitation in the southwestern Cape, in the southern inland region around Beaufort West and Graaff-Reinet, as well as along sections of the Wild Coast and the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is 30%. Higher chances of rainfall, reaching 60%, are expected along the southern coast, especially from Garden Route towards the Eastern Cape coast.

The main weather concern will be strong winds. Windy conditions are forecast over the extreme western inland area and along the southwestern coast of the Western Cape. A Level 1 yellow warning has been issued for the Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas coasts from Monday afternoon until Tuesday regarding destructive coastal winds and waves.

Maritime hazards

South-easterly winds of 40 km/h to 60 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h – 80 km/h, are predicted to complicate navigation for small vessels and jet skis. Wave heights are expected to reach four to five meters, creating dangerous sea conditions and potentially disrupting beach and port activities.

Temperatures in the southern parts of the country will remain cool or cold, while the central and northern inland areas will be characterized by predominantly dry weather without significant rainfall. Residents in coastal areas are advised to exercise caution near the shoreline, and sailors and fishermen are advised to monitor weather updates as stormy sea conditions develop along the Western Cape coast.