Cold, wet, and windy weather warning across the country

Zuko Komisa

Two consecutive cold fronts will impact the country from Friday, 17 April, through Monday, 20 April.
Expect a sharp temperature drop to as low as 10°C in high-lying areas, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds.
Potential localised flooding, hazardous sea conditions with 5-metre waves, and significant wind chill across most provinces.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for a period of cold, wet, and windy weather set to sweep across much of the country from Friday through Monday, 20 April.

This significant shift is driven by two consecutive cold fronts making landfall in the west before moving into the central and eastern interior over the weekend.

The cold snap begins on Friday in the Western and Northern Cape, progressing to the central provinces by Saturday.

While the northern reaches of South Africa will remain relatively warm, the rest of the country will face a “pronounced wind chill effect.”

High-lying areas in the western interior are particularly vulnerable, with daytime maximums struggling to exceed 12°C.

By Sunday, the system will have reached the eastern and southern coastlines. Residents in the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal should prepare for scattered showers and isolated thundershowers as the cold airmass settles.

Coastal conditions are expected to deteriorate sharply by Sunday. Forecasters predict wave heights between 4.0 and 5.0 metres, making beach and maritime activities dangerous.

On land, the combination of persistent rain and poor drainage may lead to localised flooding, while strong winds could cause disruptions to outdoor events and travel.

SAWS advises the public to exercise caution throughout the weekend. Key recommendations include:

Home Safety: Dress warmly and ensure all heating devices are used safely to prevent fire hazards.
Travel: Expect reduced visibility and slippery roads; avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours and secure any loose outdoor objects.
Coastal Caution: Stay away from the shoreline during periods of rough seas.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates as the weather systems progress across the interior.