South Africans brace for severe weather as DOUBLE cold front approaches
The severe cold snap is expected to impact large parts of the country, with Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Northern Cape among the hardest hit.
SAWS is urging households to prepare for adverse weather, particularly between Tuesday and Friday. Freezing temperatures are forecast in Gauteng, with Johannesburg expected to dip to 0°C on Friday and Pretoria to 2°C . Daytime highs will remain in the low teens.
are forecast in Gauteng, with on Friday and . Daytime highs will remain in the low teens. Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected across central and western parts of the country.
are expected across central and western parts of the country. Strong winds and large coastal swells are forecast along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline .
are forecast along the . An extremely high fire danger warning has been issued for the Nama Khoi municipality in the Northern Cape .
has been issued for the in the . While SAWS noted that such conditions are in line with seasonal expectations, it warned that 'vigilance, safety and mitigation measures are critical.'
SAWS has cautioned the public about the increased risk of household fires during cold spells, particularly in informal settlements or homes using open flames and fuel-based heaters.
'Never leave heaters, braziers, paraffin stoves or candles unattended,' SAWS said in a statement.
Residents are advised to: Use draft stoppers or towels under doors to keep out the cold
Apply bubble wrap or thermal film to windows for insulation
Limit time outdoors during extreme cold or wet conditions
Ventilate spaces when using gas or paraffin heaters to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
The cold front poses a significant risk to vulnerable communities, especially children, the elderly, and those living in informal settlements.
SAWS and relief organisations are urging South Africans to: Check on elderly neighbours or those living alone
Donate blankets, warm clothing, and food to shelters or local NGOs
Share sandbags, gloves, or rain protection with communities in flood-prone areas
'Even a single blanket can mean the difference between survival and suffering,' one aid worker said.
SAWS has warned that hazardous conditions – including flooding, strong winds, and icy roads – may develop with little warning.
Residents should: Follow updates on weather channels and the SAWS website
Avoid unnecessary travel during poor visibility or waterlogged roads
Never attempt to drive across flooded routes, even if water appears shallow
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Three Durban beaches closed: Here's which beaches and why
The eThekwini Municipality has once again released updated information regarding which Durban beaches and public pools are safe and open for swimming. According to the municipality, as of 31 July, a further three Durban beaches have been closed for swimming due to poor water quality. This is in addition to the previously closed Reunion and Westbrook beaches. The currently closed Durban beaches are: REUNION WESTBROOK ANSTEY'S BEACH DOONSIDE BEACH WINKLESPRUIT 'This status of beaches and pools will be updated as and when their status changes. You can still enjoy other recreational activities at closed beaches. You just can't swim.' the municipality said. The following 18 beaches in Durban are currently open for swimming between the hours of 06:00 and 18:30: POINT BEACH UMHLANGA MAIN UMGABABA TOTI MAIN BEACH PIPELINE BEACH USHAKA ADDINGTON COUNTRY CLUB THEKWINI BEACH NORTH BEACH BAY OF PLENTY LAGUNA BEACH SOUTH BEACH WEDGE BEACH MDLOTI MAIN BATTERY BEACH BRIGHTON BRONZE BEACH In addition to the open beach updates, eThekwini Municipality also updated their open pool status, revealing that there are now 40 swimming pools across Durban open to the public. These are: HAMBANATHI BELVEDERE BUFFELSDALE VERULAM STANMORE RAINHAM NTUZUMA E KWAMASHU G DURBAN NORTH UMGABABA PIPELINE TIGER ROCKS UMLAZI D UMLAZI G ISIPHINGO HILLS ANSTEY'S BEACH PADDLING BRIGHTON BEACH PADDLING AUSTERVILLE MEREWENT TESSORIERE LT KING TILLS CRESENT LAMONTVILLE ALEX BULLEY CROFTDENE BAYVIEW ARENA PARK BELLAIR WESTVILLE CLERMONT MARIANRIDGE NAGINA CHESTERVILLE CHILDREN AMUSEMENT CENTER SOUTH BEACH RACHEL FINLAYSON LAGUNA PADDLING SUTTON PARK ROCHDALE KWAMASHU D Swimming pools are open from 6:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday, then from 9:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Slight warm-up expected in Gauteng after a cold start
Gauteng residents can expect a slight rise in temperatures this tomorrow, 1 August, with daytime highs climbing gradually after chilly mornings. 'We are expecting slightly warmer conditions in Gauteng tomorrow,' said Odirile Modipa, a forecaster. 'Although overnight temperatures remain low, around 7°C in Johannesburg and 9°C in Pretoria, the region will experience warmth during the day.' Johannesburg is expected to reach a maximum of 19°C, while Pretoria will peak at 21°C. These temperatures reflect a modest but welcome break from the recent cold spell gripping the province. While Gauteng will wake up to cloudy skies and possible morning showers, weather conditions will gradually improve. Modipa confirmed that the rain will start clearing from the west, allowing sunny spells to break through in the afternoon. The province will continue to experience early morning chill, so residents are advised to dress warmly for the start of the day. Unlike the coastal provinces, Gauteng is not under any formal weather warnings. However, residents should still prepare for crisp evenings and mornings as cold air lingers across the interior. 'While Gauteng is not in the warning zones, the effects of the cold front are still being felt here, especially during the night,' explained Modipa. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
KwaZulu-Natal braces for damaging winds and isolated showers
As damaging coastal winds and isolated showers move in, KwaZulu-Natal will face a turbulent night and day ahead. According to forecaster Odirile Modipa, the province will remain cloudy, with rainfall persisting along the coastline and some inland areas. 'We're expecting isolated showers over KwaZulu-Natal, particularly along the coastal regions,' said Modipa. 'There's also a warning for damaging winds along the province's coastline, which may impact marine activities and beachgoers.' Residents in areas like Durban and Richards Bay should prepare for gusty conditions overnight and into the early hours, while those in the interior may see brief rain before the skies clear. Weather warnings remain in effect in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coasts The South African Weather Service has warned of strong winds and waves affecting the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coasts. These conditions are expected to persist into tomorrow, creating dangerous conditions along the shoreline. 'Winds and waves along the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape will remain strong,' Modipa warned. 'These damaging winds are not just a marine concern; they may also disrupt power lines and light infrastructure.' Despite the strong winds, inland temperatures will remain fairly stable. Durban is forecast to reach a maximum of 22°C, while surrounding coastal towns like East London and Port Edward will remain cooler, hovering around 16°C. While KwaZulu-Natal deals with these warnings, skies are expected to gradually clear as the day progresses. However, wind chill and cloudy conditions will keep the province feeling cold. 'Some areas may begin to see sunnier skies by tomorrow afternoon, but overall, it's going to be a cold day with gusty winds across the coastal regions,' said Modipa. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
