The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an alert regarding a formidable cold front expected to make landfall over the south-western regions on Wednesday, 25 June 2025.
Discussing the matter, Head of Disaster Risk Reduction at the SAWS, Rudzani Malala said, “The cold front is expected to be accompanied by heavy rainfall with a risk of localised flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas on Wednesday into Thursday [25-26 June 2025].”
Furthermore, the weather service has warned of cold to very cold conditions, with potential snowfall across the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, extending into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape.
Malala elaborated that the maritime forecast indicates gale-force winds and extremely rough seas, with wave heights ranging between 5.5 metres and 7.5 metres along the coastlines of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. These conditions are likely to disrupt fishing and port operations, heighten the risk of vessels capsizing, cause maritime accidents, and create perilous shoreline conditions. Coastal residents and beachgoers are strongly advised to exercise vigilance.
As the weather system advances eastwards, it is poised to impact the Eastern Cape, a region already susceptible to weather-related challenges. The primary concern for this province is powerful, destructive winds expected to sweep across most areas on Thursday, 26 June 2025.
“Furthermore, interior winds are expected to pick up and spread over the remainder of eastern provinces on Thursday and Friday, 26 and 27 June 2025, with daytime temperatures dropping to the cold category,” Malala added.
In KwaZulu-Natal, SAWS forecasts fine and cool to warm conditions, though cold in the extreme southwest, except on Wednesday and Thursday.
Moreover, the weather service noted cold conditions will spread to the central and western parts on Sunday. It is anticipated that partly cloudy to cloudy conditions will emerge in the east from Wednesday, accompanied by isolated showers and rain, except in the north.
Furthermore, isolated morning showers and rain are expected along the north coast, where partly cloudy to cloudy conditions will prevail on Friday morning. Windy conditions are forecast in parts of the northern interior on Wednesday and Thursday, where Fire Danger Indices (FDIs) may be elevated.
Adding to this, the weather service urged communities to remain vigilant by closely monitoring daily weather reports and heeding severe weather warnings.
As South Africa braces for this severe weather event, be sure to stay informed on the latest developments.
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