WC govt fully prepared to deal with any weather-related winter incidents

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape government said it's fully prepared to deal with any weather-related incidents this winter.

The provincial Disaster Management Centre said R21 million has been put aside to respond to emergencies across the Cape.

Winter is the peak rain season in the Western Cape.

In July 2024, Cape Town recorded the highest monthly rainfall in 64 years.

The torrential downpours left a trail of destruction across most parts of the province.

In 2025, provincial disaster officials said they're bracing for a drier winter season after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned of below-average rainfall for parts of the Cape.

Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said they would keep a close eye on the situation.

"If the dam levels at the end of the season are low, then we will talk to you again on water consumption going into 2026. Rather be prepared and start early to save water than wait too late."

Bredell added that there were no immediate concerns of drought due to the low winter rainfall forecast for the Cape.