South Africans are being urged to brace for extreme winter weather as two intense cold fronts are forecast to hit the country in quick succession this week.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple warnings, with temperatures set to plummet, strong winds anticipated, and snowfall likely in high-lying regions.
Just months after a devastating tornado storm hit Pretoria in early February, followed a week later by wildfires that swept through Cape Town’s Table Mountain, disaster management teams are once again on high alert.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed the province is prepared for possible weather-related emergencies:
“The teams are in communication with weather authorities and will continue to closely monitor the developing weather system.
Our disaster management teams are prepared to respond effectively should any weather-related incidents occur.”
He urged residents to stay informed and follow official updates from SAWS:
“Taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the potential impact of the cold front,” he added.
According to SAWS, the first cold front will make landfall over the Western Cape on Monday, May 19, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a sharp drop in temperatures. A second, more intense system will follow, worsening conditions as it sweeps across the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and inland regions.
“Freezing levels are expected to drop considerably, creating conditions favourable for some snowfall in high-lying areas,” said SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela.
Weather warnings in place
- Yellow Level 4 warning for damaging winds and waves in the Western Cape (from Friday evening).
- Yellow Level 2 warning for strong to gale-force winds in the Namakwa District and Central Karoo on Tuesday.
- Risk of localised flooding in low-lying areas due to persistent rainfall in the Western Cape.
- Potential snowfall over the Eastern and Western Cape mountains, and possibly in KwaZulu-Natal by Wednesday.
Travel is expected to be disrupted:
“Expect longer travel times due to localised problems for high-sided vehicles, especially on the N1. Fallen trees may affect transport routes, properties, and localised power and communication interruptions,” SAWS warned.
Coastal and Marine Risks
Rough seas and winds up to 65 km/h are expected to batter coastal areas, posing significant risks to small vessels and maritime operations.
“It will be partly cloudy and cool to warm but still cold to very cold over the south-western interior,” SAWS added.
Cold snap across South Africa
While Monday may bring mild conditions to northern regions, widespread cold is forecast to settle across the country by Tuesday. Rain and scattered showers will spread eastward by Wednesday, with snowfall a strong possibility in elevated areas.
More here: Severe Weather Warning – Gauteng, Free State, KZN at Risk
Weather outlook
With two major cold fronts converging this week, South Africans are urged to:
- Take safety precautions
- Avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas
- Monitor official updates from SAWS
This could indeed be one of the coldest weather events the country has experienced in recent years, underscoring the need for community preparedness and coordinated response.
For live updates, follow SAWS and local emergency services on X (formerly Twitter).
Stay safe. Stay warm.
