The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings for cold to very cold, wet, and windy conditions expected across parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces on Friday. These adverse weather conditions are specifically forecast for areas over the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the interior of the Western Cape. SAWS indicates that rainfall in parts of the Western Cape could become disruptive, potentially leading to localised flooding, particularly in the south-eastern parts of the province.
Specific Warnings Issued
A Yellow Level 4 Warning for damaging winds has been issued for the Namakwa district in the Northern Cape, as well as the Cape Winelands and Central Karoo districts of the Western Cape, effective until Friday. These conditions are expected to cause interruptions to power, communication, and other utilities, alongside potential damage to settlements. The warning also notes risks of injuries and danger to life from flying debris, in addition to problems for high-sided vehicles due to crosswinds on vulnerable routes.
Separately, a Yellow Level 4 Warning for disruptive rainfall is in place for the eastern parts of the Overberg district, the Garden Route, Langeberg, and Laingsburg municipalities in the Western Cape. This rainfall could lead to flooding of roads and settlements, causing major disruption to traffic flow.
In the Eastern Cape, a Yellow Level 2 Warning for disruptive rainfall has been issued for areas along the south coast and the eastern parts of the province. This is expected to result in localised flooding of settlements, roads, low-lying areas, and bridges. A Yellow Level 2 Warning for damaging winds also covers the western parts of the Western Cape from Friday afternoon, extending to the northern interior of the Eastern Cape. These winds are forecast to damage temporary structures, settlements, transport routes, and travel services. Coastal regions face additional hazards, with damaging waves reaching approximately 4.5 to 5.5 metres in places, posing a risk to coastal activities and infrastructure.
Expected Weather Impacts
A cut-off low-pressure system is expected to develop over the western interior on Thursday. This system could bring strong to damaging interior winds, while gale-force winds may affect the south-western and southern coastal areas. Maximum temperatures are forecast to remain below 10°C in places over high-lying areas as the cold weather sets in. Additionally, extremely high fire danger conditions are anticipated across the central parts of the country, including most parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The combination of these weather phenomena suggests a broad impact across multiple provinces.
Context and Timing
Earlier this week, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a warning that cold, wet, and windy conditions would affect parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Thursday into Friday. SAWS stated that "Very cold conditions are possible over the high-lying areas, where maximum temperatures may remain below 10°C in places. Rainfall over parts of the Western Cape may become disruptive and could lead to localised flooding, particularly over the south-eastern parts of the province."
A Yellow Level 4 Warning for damaging wind and waves is in effect between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay until Friday, potentially disrupting ports and harbours and posing a danger to navigation at sea. SAWS added that "Strong to damaging interior winds are also possible, while gale-force winds may affect the south-western and southern coastal areas. Damaging waves, reaching approximately 4.5 to 5.5 metres in places, may also pose a risk to coastal activities and infrastructure."
A Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for the western parts of the Free State. These storms could lead to localised wind and hail damage to structures, falling trees, and local fire incidents due to excessive lightning.
