The South African Weather Service has warned residents across most of the country to prepare for cold, wet and windy conditions from Friday through to Monday, with the Western Cape and Northern Cape expected to bear the brunt of the system first before it spreads to Gauteng and central and eastern regions over the weekend.
The alert raises safety concerns for commuters, outdoor workers and vulnerable households heading into the mid-month school holiday period.
The Western Cape and Northern Cape will experience the onset of the cold system from Friday, with strong winds, rough seas along the coastline and a risk of localised flooding forecast for those provinces. As the weather pattern moves inland over Saturday and Sunday, Gauteng and the broader central and eastern parts of the country will experience significant daytime temperature drops, reduced visibility and wet road conditions.
Coastal areas across the country are expected to contend with rough sea conditions for the duration of the event, which is forecast to ease from Monday.
What the SA Weather Service is warning residents to do
Tokelo Chiloane, a forecaster at the South African Weather Service, urged residents to take precautions ahead of the deteriorating conditions.
“Dress warmly and ensure adequate heating in homes. Use heating devices safely to avoid fire hazards. Exercise caution when travelling on wet and slippery roads,” Chiloane said.
Residents are additionally advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall, to secure loose outdoor objects that could be displaced by strong winds, and to stay well clear of coastal areas while rough sea conditions persist.
Those living in flood-prone areas should actively monitor official SA Weather Service channels for updated warnings and advisories throughout the weekend.
Heating safety becomes a priority as the cold sets in
With temperatures dropping sharply across inland areas, the risk of fire hazards associated with the unsafe use of paraffin heaters, candles and gas appliances rises considerably. Emergency services typically record a spike in structure fires during cold snaps, particularly in densely populated urban and peri-urban communities where alternative heating methods are common.
Residents are urged to keep heating appliances away from flammable materials, to ensure adequate ventilation when using gas appliances, and to have a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand accessible as a precaution.
