The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning of widespread rainfall for the Western Cape and two back-to-back cold fronts, starting on Thursday, 20 May. The cold front on Friday brings with it the possibility of the first sprinkling of snow for the province. Several other areas will experience a significant drop in temperatures too.
According to SAWS: “Strong, sustained northwesterly winds of 50-70km/h winds may be experienced over the southern high ground of the Northern Cape, the interior of the Western Cape and the interior of the Eastern Cape, which may result in difficult driving conditions, especially for high-sided vehicles. Similar conditions are expected along the coast of the Western Cape.”
ALSO READ: South Africa sets out to protect actors and crew in nudity and sex scenes
Temperatures will drop to a minimum of 12°C with a high of 16°C on Thursday – with 100% rainfall expected for the Cape.
The second cold front approaches on Friday, bringing colder temperatures of 8°C for the province.
The rest of the country will also experience cold weather from Friday. SAWS says the chilly conditions will reach KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng during Saturday and Sunday.
“Small stock farmers are advised that the combination of cold, wet and windy weather may result in stock losses unless animals are taken to shelter well ahead of the onset of the winter weather,” they said.
Residents along the coastal regions between Cape Columbine and East London can expect large sea swells of 4.5m to 6m.
“Vessels may experience difficulty in navigation, and risk is increased for coastal activities,” they advised.
SAWS warnings:
- A yellow level 2 warning (the least dangerous warning) for rain resulting in localised flooding expected over the Cape Metropole, western parts of the Cape winelands and the western parts of the Overberg districts on Thursday into Friday.
- A yellow level 2 warning for wind resulting in damage to settlements expected over the southern high ground of the Northern Cape, Central Karoo and Little Karoo in the Western Cape on Thursday and along the coastal areas between Lamberts Bay and Cape Agulhas from Wednesday evening, spreading to Plettenberg Bay on Thursday afternoon and moderating on Friday.
- A yellow level 2 warning for waves resulting in difficulty in navigation between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay from Thursday afternoon into Friday.
