SAWS
By Karabo Marifi
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a stern weather alert, warning residents of the Western Cape and Northern Cape to brace for a series of intense cold fronts that are expected to sweep across the regions from Thursday evening through to Sunday, bringing very cold, wet and windy werather, potential flooding, and disruption to essential services.
According to SAWS, daytime temperatures are expected to drop to 10°C or lower, particularly over the western and central interior of the Western Cape and the southern parts of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape. Wind speeds of 30 km/h and above are also expected in exposed areas.
“These conditions are likely to spread to the western escarpment of Namakwa as well as to the eastern interior of the Western Cape over the weekend. In addition, light snowfalls are possible over the mountain peaks of the Western Cape and southern parts of Namakwa,” SAWS said in its advisory issued on Tuesday.
Impact on Livestock and Infrastructure
SAWS has advised small stock farmers and the general public to take urgent precautions to protect animals and property from exposure to extreme cold and wet conditions.
The risk of hypothermia, water contamination, and animal losses is high, especially in exposed rural and mountainous areas. The persistent cold and rain may also cause minor to moderate flooding, particularly in informal settlements, low-lying areas, and regions with saturated soil.
“The public and small stock farmers are advised to take the necessary precaution to ensure the safety and health of their animals during very cold, wet and windy days,” the weather authority stated.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Risk from Friday Onwards
A series of cold fronts will strike the south-western parts of the Western Cape, beginning late Wednesday night, with the most severe system expected by Friday afternoon. This system is expected to result in:
• Scattered to widespread showers and rain across the western parts of the province;
• Quick and heavy downpours likely to cause flash flooding;
• 24-hour rainfall accumulations of 20–35 mm, with up to 50 mm over mountainous areas;
• A secondary cold front on Sunday could add another 10–20 mm of rain.
Although only 5–10 mm of rain is expected on Saturday, the combination of multiple rainfall events may lead to runoff accumulation, mudslides, rockfalls, and localized flooding.
“Rain-on-rain together with saturated soils will lead to minor impacts with a low likelihood of significant impacts to occur,” SAWS explained.
Disruption to Roads, Services and Infrastructure
In addition to flooding, SAWS warns of major traffic disruptions, with roads likely to become impassable or damaged, especially in flood-prone zones. Commuters should anticipate increased travel times, road closures, and dangerous driving conditions.
Key risks include:
• Flooding of roads and low-lying bridges;
• Damage to formal and informal dwellings;
• Potential interruptions to water and electricity supply;
• Risk to life due to fast-flowing streams and landslides.
Regions Most at Risk
The south-western Cape, including areas around Cape Town, Overberg, Cape Winelands, and parts of the Garden Route, is expected to bear the brunt of the cold fronts. Rural areas within the Namakwa District, particularly on the western escarpment, are also under watch.
Light snowfall may dust the Cederberg mountains, Matroosberg, and other elevated peaks, though no widespread snow accumulation is forecast.
Preparedness Measures
SAWS urges all residents in the affected regions to:
• Monitor weather updates via official platforms;
• Avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall hours;
• Secure outdoor furniture, roofing, and livestock enclosures;
• Prepare for power outages and possible water supply interruptions;
• Keep emergency contact numbers accessible.
Final Advisory
The weather service has assured the public that updates will be provided regularly as new data becomes available. Emergency services are also on alert to respond to any incidents of flooding or infrastructure failure.
“These fronts are part of the typical winter weather pattern for the region, but the intensity of the rainfall and cold conditions over consecutive days poses an increased risk. Communities are advised to take this warning seriously,” SAWS added.
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