The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning of an approaching period of cold, wet and windy weather expected to affect large parts of the country from today until Thursday.

Krugersdorp News reports that this change in weather is linked to a cut-off low-pressure system expected to make landfall over the western parts of South Africa from tomorrow morning. The system will initially affect the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, before spreading eastwards across the central and eastern interior from tomorrow afternoon into Wednesday morning. A cut-off low is a slow-moving or stationary system that can result in prolonged severe weather over one area.

Thunderstorms and rainfall set to intensify

Today, isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and western interior. Scattered thundershowers are likely over the Free State, Northern Cape, western parts of North West, as well as parts of the Eastern Cape and western regions of the Western Cape. Rainfall is expected to become more widespread along the south-west coast.

There is a high likelihood of severe thunderstorms developing over the interior and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape from the afternoon onwards. These storms may bring heavy downpours leading to localised flooding, along with damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning.

Flooding, snow and coastal impacts expected

Significant weather impacts are expected along parts of the Eastern Cape coastline and adjacent interior tomorrow and Wednesday, as well as over the eastern parts of the Western Cape from tomorrow afternoon through to Thursday.

Widespread rainfall is anticipated over the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, extending into the Free State. In some areas, 24-hour rainfall totals could exceed 100–200 mm, which may result in widespread flooding. Damaging winds and very rough sea conditions are also expected, particularly along the south coast of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape coastline.

As the cut-off low moves across the country between tomorrow and Thursday, the following impacts are expected:

• Heavy rainfall may cause widespread flooding, mudslides, traffic disruptions and damage to roads and bridges, especially in the Eastern and Western Cape
• Strong winds could lead to power outages, damage to structures and fallen trees affecting transport routes
• Coastal waves of 5–7m may damage infrastructure, disrupt harbours and cause storm surge along the southern coastline
• Snowfall over high-lying areas may result in livestock losses and mountain pass closures
• Severe thunderstorms in the Free State and North West may bring localised flooding, hail and damage to settlements

Public urged to remain cautious

The public is advised to exercise caution when travelling, especially in flood-prone areas or where visibility is reduced. Motorists are urged to avoid crossing flooded roads and swollen streams, while residents should secure loose outdoor items due to strong winds.

Members of the public are also urged to stay informed by following updates from SAWS through official communication platforms.

Authorities have stressed that forecasts and warnings will be updated as conditions develop. The public is further advised to be cautious of unauthorised or unverified information and to avoid sharing such content.

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