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Severe Cold Front to Hit Western and Northern Cape, Bringing Snow, Floods, and Damaging Winds

/ News, South Africa / By /

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a severe weather warning as a powerful cold front is expected to strike the Western and Northern Cape from Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, snowfall, gale-force winds, and potential flooding.

What to Expect

According to SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela, the cold front will make landfall on Wednesday, affecting central and western parts of the Western Cape, including Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the Overberg district.

  • Heavy Rainfall & Flooding: Up to 80mm of rain is expected in mountainous areas, raising concerns over localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and informal settlements.

  • Damaging Winds: Coastal regions, including the west and south coasts, will experience winds of 50–60 km/h, disrupting ports and making sea navigation hazardous.

  • Snowfall: Light snow is forecast over high-lying areas of the Western Cape and southern Northern Cape, particularly around Sutherland.

  • Eastern Cape Impact: By Thursday, strong winds and cold conditions will spread to the Eastern Cape, with a 30% chance of rain in western parts.

Public Safety Advisory

Thobela urged residents to exercise caution, especially near flooded roads and coastal areas.

  • Motorists should avoid driving through flooded roads, as hidden potholes and sinkholes pose serious risks.

  • Coastal communities and fishermen are warned of rough seas, with waves reaching 4.5–6 meters.

  • Informal settlements built on floodplains are at high risk, and residents should prepare for possible evacuations.

Extended Cold Snap

The cold front signals the start of a prolonged winter pattern, with freezing temperatures expected to spread to the Free State, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal by Friday. Johannesburg could see temperatures drop to -2°C, raising concerns about hypothermia, particularly for homeless populations.

Where to Get Updates

The public is advised to monitor official SAWS channels.

Residents are urged to stay warm, avoid unnecessary fires, and heed warnings as the severe weather system progresses.

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