Latest news with #SouthAfricanWeatherService
The South African
7 hours ago
- Climate
- The South African
Weather warning: Cape Town on Yellow Level 4 alert as wave of cold fronts approach
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of warnings for the Western Cape as multiple cold fronts are expected to make landfall between Thursday, 3 July and Sunday, 6 July, bringing disruptive rain, strong winds, high waves, and plummeting temperatures across the region. In its latest update, SAWS confirmed a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain, alongside Level 2 warnings for damaging winds and waves, and a general advisory for very cold, wet and windy conditions. 'The most significant cold front will reach the south-western Cape by Friday afternoon,' said SAWS. 'Quick and heavy downpours are possible, particularly over mountainous regions.' Disruptive Rain (Level 4) : – 30 to 60mm expected across the south-west. – Up to 90mm in mountain regions from Friday to Saturday. – Saturated soils and consecutive rainfall events could cause flooding and infrastructure damage. : – expected across the south-west. – Up to in mountain regions from Friday to Saturday. – Saturated soils and consecutive rainfall events could cause and infrastructure damage. Damaging Winds (Level 2) : – Strong to gale-force winds (60-70km/h, gusting to 80km/h). – Affected areas: Saldanha Bay to Cape Agulhas , especially on Friday, 4 July . : – Strong to (60-70km/h, gusting to 80km/h). – Affected areas: , especially on . Damaging Waves (Level 2): – Waves between 4.5 to 5.5 metres and periods of 10-12 seconds expected. – High-impact conditions along the coast from Cape Agulhas to Plettenberg Bay from Saturday through Monday. SAWS is urging residents and visitors in the Western Cape to: Avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone or coastal areas Secure loose items that may be blown away by strong winds Exercise caution at sea and avoid swimming or boating during high wave periods Ensure adequate heating and shelter as temperatures are expected to drop significantly Local authorities are on alert and disaster risk management teams have been placed on standby. For updates and emergency assistance, residents are advised to monitor official channels and weather bulletins. 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
8 hours ago
- Climate
- The South African
Cold fronts to bring disruptive winter weather across South Africa
South Africa is preparing for a wave of intense winter systems as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts widespread showers and very cold conditions from Thursday to Sunday. These weather systems will mainly affect the Western and Northern Cape, with impacts expected in the Free State and Eastern Cape. On Thursday, 3 July, SAWS expects isolated showers (30%) over parts of the Northern Cape. Scattered rain (60%) is likely in the central interior, including Bloemfontein and Aliwal North. SAWS forecasts widespread rainfall (80%) along the south-western coast, especially around Worcester. Forecasters expect strong winds to batter the south-west coast on Friday, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas. SAWS has issued a yellow level 2 warning for wind, warning of strong to gale-force gusts due to a cold front making landfall. By Friday, very cold air will move inland. Snow may fall over the high peaks of the Eastern Cape and southern Drakensberg. Rainfall probabilities remain high, with 60% chances across the southern interior and isolated showers reaching the Free State and southern KwaZulu-Natal. A second cold front is expected to hit the Western Cape on Sunday, bringing more showers and rough sea conditions. South-westerly waves of 4.5 to 5.5 metres are expected between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay, with wave periods of 10–12 seconds. SAWS has issued a yellow level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall in the Western Cape. Forecasters warn that roads and low-lying areas may flood, and fast-flowing streams could pose a danger to life. They also expect rain on already saturated ground to cause service disruptions. SAWS has urged small stock farmers and the general public to prepare for harsh weather in the Western Cape interior and the Namakwa district in the Northern Cape. Light snow may fall over mountain peaks, and cold, wet and windy conditions are likely to persist. Authorities encourage residents to monitor updates and heed all warnings to stay safe during this severe winter spell. 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.
News24
19 hours ago
- Climate
- News24
Cold front brings rain, snow, and extreme weather across SA
Warnings of flooding have been issued for Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the West Coast. Strong winds in the Northern Cape's central interior could cause damage, particularly in informal settlements. Snow is expected over the Drakensberg Highlands, with sleet forecast for Gauteng and parts of Mpumalanga by Friday. A cold front is expected to make bringing about rain and snow in some areas in the country, but other parts of SA are expected to experience wind and possible veld fires. The South African Weather Service said the cut-off low-pressure system was expected to bring rain to the Western Cape and the Northern Cape from Wednesday. Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said there were warnings that the rain could become disruptive on Thursday, affecting various areas, from the Cape Winelands to Cape Town and the West Coast, 'which obviously might result in some localised flooding, considering that they've had a lot of rain for about a week'. 'Areas that are around the western parts of the Western Cape are expected to start seeing rain.' Meanwhile, wind is also expected over the central interior of the Northern Cape. These winds, according to Thobela, might result in some damage, especially in informal settlements. Due to the dry conditions in the region, coupled with the wind, a danger warning has been issued for veld fires in some areas. On Thursday, the cold front is expected to move eastwards, bringing a scattered to isolated chance of rain and showers over the Eastern Cape. Weather advisory: Very cold, wet & windy conditions are expected over the Western & Northern Cape. 03 - 06 July 2025. #saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 1, 2025 'Cold temperatures are expected, especially over the central and western parts of the country, with the possibility of snow for the highland areas of the Drakensberg. And over the eastern parts, we start seeing a drop of temperatures into Friday,' Thobela said. On Friday, Gauteng is expected to experience sleet in the morning and showers in the afternoon. The southern parts of Mpumalanga are also expected to see some sleet. Thobela said another cold front would make landfall over the Western Cape over the weekend, which could result in rain and lead to flooding in the southwestern parts of the province. 'The rain in the northeastern provinces will be mainly on Friday, and it will cover the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the Eastern Cape,' Thobela added. 'So, temperatures are expected to drop into the weekend, and they should start picking up from the late afternoon on Monday.'
IOL News
6 days ago
- Climate
- IOL News
Western Cape prepares for severe weather and flooding as cold front intensifies
A vehicle navigates through flooded streets as heavy rains lash the Western Cape. Authorities have urged residents to avoid low-lying areas and motorists to exercise extreme caution amid severe weather warnings and icy road conditions. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Western Cape residents are being urged to stay vigilant as cold, wet and windy conditions continue to sweep across the province, prompting widespread flooding, hazardous conditions, and a Level 4 weather warning for damaging waves. Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, confirmed on Thursday that disaster management teams remain fully mobilised as severe weather persists. 'The cold and wet weather is set to continue today, and the public must stay alert and keep safe during the winter weather,' said Minister Bredell. 'High-risk areas continue to be low-lying, flood-prone informal settlements and communities near rivers, streams, and stormwater channels.' The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 warning for damaging waves along parts of the coast, with Level 2 warnings in place for disruptive rainfall and strong winds, both inland and along the coastline. The system is currently shifting along the southern coast, with strong gusts forecast in the Overberg and Garden Route areas. Municipalities across the province have reported ongoing flood impacts. The City of Cape Town has experienced localised flooding in both formal and informal settlements, disrupting roads and stormwater infrastructure. In the Cape Winelands District, the Breede River has overflowed, forcing the closure of the Slanghoek and Scherpenheuwel bridges as well as Slanghoek Road at the low-water drift. Worcester's Merwestraat is also under observation, while the Drakenstein area is grappling with rising water levels. An early morning Hazmat incident in Wellington added to the region's emergency concerns when a tanker carrying nitric acid overturned. Fortunately, the container remained sealed and no hazardous material leaked. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'There were no injuries,' said Wouter Kriel, Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell. 'The road remains temporarily closed, but access to Groenberg Primary School is being maintained. Motorists are advised to use Hermon Road as an alternative route.' On the West Coast, including Saldanha Bay, emergency response teams have been deployed, and local authorities have activated emergency protocols. Bredell expressed gratitude to the province's disaster relief teams. 'We call on the public to stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe. Your cooperation is vital in helping us protect lives and reduce risk during this period of severe weather," said Bredell. "Emergency services are fully mobilised and remain on 24/7 standby to respond as needed. We extend our sincere thanks to all frontline teams, municipal partners, and volunteers for their swift, tireless efforts in assisting affected communities.' Safety Tips for Residents: Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters. Even shallow water can be dangerous. Stay away from rivers, canals, and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Remain indoors where possible and monitor updates from official channels. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has issued a stern warning to motorists, especially those travelling through the mountainous regions of the Western and Northern Cape, where snow and icy road conditions are expected to create dangerous driving environments. 'Severe weather conditions are expected from Thursday and Friday with rain and showers over the central and western parts of the country,' RTMC cautioned. 'Motorists must take extra caution when driving in snowy conditions.' IOL News
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape faces snow warning after floods leave 101 dead
As Eastern Cape residents prepare for another weather challenge this weekend, the focus remains on balancing immediate weather response with ongoing flood recovery efforts. Goats grazing in the snow in the Eastern Cape. Picture: X/@AfricanHub_ Eastern Cape residents, still reeling from catastrophic floods that claimed 101 lives earlier this month, now face another weather challenge as authorities warn of snowfall and damaging winds expected to hit the province this weekend. The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow level 2 warning valid from Thursday, 26 June 2025, until Friday, 27 June 2025, predicting snow in high-lying areas and dangerous coastal conditions that could disrupt traffic and pose risks to life. An extended weather forecast for Friday and Saturday predicts partly cloudy and cold to cool weather with isolated showers and rain in parts of the province. Extended weather forecast for Friday and Saturday, 27-28 June 2025: Partly cloudy and cold to cool with isolated showers and rain in places. #saws #SAWeather — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) June 25, 2025 Snow expected in Eastern Cape high-lying areas Provincial Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed that authorities are preparing for challenging weather conditions ahead. 'We have taken note of the Saws warning for less-than-ideal weather conditions in the province this week. 'Snowfall that may affect the flow of traffic in some areas; we are certainly expecting that in some of our high-laying areas, particularly Barkly East,' Binqose said. The transport department is deploying resources to affected areas, with Binqose explaining: 'We'll deploy resources and personnel to those roads that are expected to be affected by this. Things such as graders to remove snow and officers to redirect traffic should there be any road closures.' When asked whether the snowfall could lead to additional flooding concerns, Binqose expressed cautious optimism based on historical patterns. 'It hardly ever does, from past experiences, but we will take caution,' he said. The weather service forecast indicates 30-60% chance of showers and rain across central and southern parts of South Africa, with 80% probability in the southwest. Snow is expected in high-lying areas in the Cape provinces, accompanied by damaging winds and waves. ALSO READ: Weather alert: Strong winds, rain and snow batter interior Dangerous coastal conditions predicted The weather warning details severe maritime conditions, with a deep low-pressure system expected to bring strong to gale-force winds of 60 to 70 km/h along the coast between Plettenberg Bay and Port Edward. Wave heights are forecast to reach 5m to 6m, with offshore areas potentially experiencing 7m waves. Saws further warned of multiple impacts, including: Difficulty in navigation for vessels at sea, risk to small vessels of taking on water and capsizing, potential rogue wave formation, disruption of harbours and ports, disruption to beachfront activities, and danger to life. Additional damaging winds are expected across several municipalities including Koukamma, Kouga, Ndlambe, Ngqushwa, Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metro areas. Eastern Cape flood disaster recovery continues The severe weather warning comes as the province continues grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods that struck between 9-10 June 2025. MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Zolile Williams provided a comprehensive update on the disaster's impact during a media briefing on Thursday. 'As of today, 26 June 2025, we can confirm that 101 people have died following the disastrous weather condition that hit our province, with the youngest victim recovered in Mthatha, an infant of about 12 months,' Williams announced. The death toll breakdown shows OR Tambo District accounting for 77 fatalities, Amatole District 10, Buffalo City 5, Chris Hani 5, Joe Gqabi 2, and Sarah Baartman 2. Williams revealed that of the total deaths, 63 were adults and 38 were children, with 32 of the children identified as minors. The MEC noted the emotional toll the disaster has taken on officials. 'Announcing additional fatalities each day since the tragedy began on the 10th of June has placed an immense emotional toll on the provincial government. The repeated need to relay such tragic updates has been both deeply painful and mentally draining to all of us.' Billion needed to address infrastructure damage The floods caused extensive damage across multiple sectors, with infrastructure repair costs estimated at R5.1 billion. Williams broke down the financial impact: 'About R3.2 billion is required across sector departments with R1.8 billion for the municipal infrastructure as per the municipal agency called Misa assessments.' Housing has been severely affected, with 6 869 households impacted province-wide, excluding Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. A total of 4 724 people have been left homeless, while 2 145 homes suffered partial damage. The cost for temporary residential units is estimated at R461 million, though the province has allocated R120 million for immediate needs. Road infrastructure repair costs alone are estimated at R935 million, with the Department of Transport re-prioritising 102 million rand from its budget, leaving a deficit of R832 million. Currently, 29 roads remain closed in Chris Hani and 22 in OR Tambo districts. The education sector has also been severely impacted, with 431 schools and 69 health facilities affected at varying degrees across the province. Agricultural losses include 1 339 units of livestock and 1 803 hectares of destroyed crops. ALSO READ: Eastern Cape floods: Here's how much victims will be given to rebuild their homes Government response to Eastern Cape flood damage and recovery efforts A national state of disaster has been declared in response to the widespread destruction, enabling additional funding and resources for recovery efforts. The provincial government is implementing a phased disaster response plan, currently focused on immediate relief and stabilisation. Williams outlined the accommodation strategy for displaced families: 'The Department of Human Settlements in partnership with the OR Tambo District Municipality have successfully activated mass cash shelters, including bed and breakfast facilities and community halls, to provide immediate housing for displaced families in OR Tambo and Mthatha. These arrangements will remain in place for a 30-day period.' Land has been identified for approximately 1 100 temporary residential units in Mthatha, while King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality is awaiting a council resolution on identified land parcels. The provincial government continues restoring basic services, with electricity supply restored to over 80% of affected customers and over 95% of water supply restored in OR Tambo and Amatole district municipalities. Ongoing challenges and appeals The recovery process faces several challenges, including the complex task of relocating families from flood-prone areas. Williams explained the approach: 'We have not instructed anyone to return there because the challenge is you are sending the people back to those homes, and the structures have been affected because they have been underwater. So obviously the structural integrity will be in question.' The government continues to appeal for support from private sector partners, requesting donations of non-perishable food supplies, toiletries, sanitary packs, nutrition packs, nappies, baby food, crockery and cutlery, washing basins and buckets, cleaning materials, stoves, clothing, shoes, and basic furniture. ALSO READ: Are Sassa payments in the Eastern Cape at risk due to floods and a looming cold front? Financial accountability measures Addressing public concerns about financial management during the crisis, Williams emphasised the province's commitment to transparency. 'I wish to assure the people of our province and South Africa at large that we are committed to ensuring financial accountability,' he said. Williams highlighted the province's track record, noting: 'This government of the Eastern Cape cannot have more than 13 departments having clean audit opinions, and you still would find us being crazy when it comes to this disaster funding. So the systems we have, internal control mechanisms will be ignited and assist every department to ensure that funds are spent properly and value for money for each and every project is realised.' The province has implemented multiple monitoring mechanisms, including the Provincial Infrastructure Coordination Committee (PICC) and risk-adjusted strategies for local government oversight. As Eastern Cape residents prepare for another weather challenge this weekend, the focus remains on balancing immediate weather response with ongoing flood recovery efforts. NOW READ: Eastern Cape residents say they've been ignored by government after floods
