SA Weather Service issues level 2 and 4 warnings as cold fronts approach

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued yellow level 2 and 4 warnings for severe weather conditions expected across several provinces from Thursday, 3 July, through Sunday, 6 July.

A series of cold fronts is forecast to sweep across the country, beginning Thursday and continuing through the weekend. The Western and Northern Cape will be the most affected, with weather impacts also likely to extend into parts of the Free State and Eastern Cape.

“Scattered to widespread showers and rain are expected over the western parts of the Western Cape from Thursday through Sunday,” says SAWS.

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Strong winds will accompany the rain, particularly along the south-western coastline. Gusts of up to 80 km/h are anticipated between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas on Friday. This has triggered a yellow level 2 wind warning for that day.

“A cold front will move into the western parts of the Western Cape on Friday, bringing strong to gale-force winds,” the service stated.

By Friday, significantly colder weather is expected to spread inland. Snowfall is likely over the high peaks of the Eastern Cape and southern Drakensberg.

Rainfall chances remain high for Friday, with a 60% likelihood of scattered showers in the southern interior, and a 30% chance of isolated rain extending into the Free State and southern KwaZulu-Natal.

The weekend is expected to remain unsettled, with another cold front projected to hit the Western Cape on Sunday. This system will generate south-westerly waves of 4.5 to 5.5 metres and wave periods of 10 to 12 seconds.

SAWS warns of potential flooding in low-lying areas and roads, fast-flowing streams posing a risk to life, and possible disruptions to essential services. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.