The Western and Northern Cape regions can expect severe weather conditions as a cold front sweeps across the country, prompting the South African Weather Service (SAWS) to issue multiple warnings for damaging winds and waves along the coastline.
The cold front is expected to move south of the country by Wednesday morning, bringing cold to very cold daytime temperatures of 10°C and below to the interior of the Western Cape and the Namakwa district in the Northern Cape. Weather experts warn that these frigid conditions will persist through Saturday as another cold front approaches the country by Thursday evening.
“Residents should prepare for an extended period of below-normal temperatures,” a SAWS spokesperson said. “The coldest conditions will be felt in the Western Cape’s interior and southern high-ground areas of the Northern Cape.”
Warnings in effect
The South African Weather Service has issued two significant warnings for Wednesday:
- A level 2 warning for damaging waves between Saldanha Bay and East London, which could result in navigation difficulties for small vessels, vessels taking on water, and disruption to beachfront activities.
- A level 1 warning for damaging winds between Cape Point and East London, potentially causing small vessels to have difficulty navigating, taking on water, and dragging anchor.
Maritime authorities advise against non-essential boat trips during this period, particularly for smaller craft.
Regional outlook
The Western Cape will experience cloudy and cool to cold conditions with isolated showers and rain, except in the north-east where it will be partly cloudy. Strong winds will affect coastal areas, with the UV index remaining low.
In the Eastern Cape, the western half will see cloudy conditions along the coast with isolated showers and rain west of Port Elizabeth, while the eastern half will remain fine and cold with morning frost in northern areas.
Gauteng residents can expect fine and cool conditions with a high UV sunburn index, while KwaZulu-Natal will be partly cloudy and cool with isolated showers and rain in the east.
