The weather today presents a challenging start to the first weekend of July as a series of adverse weather conditions extend across key regions of South Africa.
Weather warnings issued for Friday, 4 July 2025
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple weather warnings, led by a Yellow Level 4 alert for disruptive rainfall across the western parts of the Western Cape.
This alert signals the highest risk for the day, with heavy rains expected to flood roads and pose a danger to life from rapidly flowing streams across low-lying bridges.
This includes major urban centres such as Cape Town, where widespread showers and strong north-westerly winds are expected throughout the day.
The coastal regions are further impacted by marine hazards. A Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds is in effect between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas, as well as between Plettenberg Bay and East London.
These conditions pose serious risks to small vessels and personal watercraft, which may take on water or capsize.
A separate Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging waves is issued for the seas between Plettenberg Bay and East London, where maritime navigation is expected to be difficult and dangerous.
Inland, the northeast of the Eastern Cape is under a Yellow Level 1 warning for disruptive snowfall. This weather may result in road closures, traffic disruptions, and the loss of livestock in rural areas due to icy roads and accumulating snow.
Residents in mountainous areas are urged to prepare accordingly.
- Yellow Level 4 Warning – Disruptive Rainfall: For the western Western Cape, including Cape Town. High flood risk and threats to safety in low-lying areas.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning – Damaging Winds: Affecting coastal zones from Saldanha Bay to Cape Agulhas, and from Plettenberg Bay to East London. Small craft at risk.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning – Damaging Waves: For the same eastern coastal zone, complicating marine operations.
- Yellow Level 1 Warning – Disruptive Snow: Expected in the northeast of the Eastern Cape, impacting rural roads and livestock.
- Fire Danger Warning: Extremely high conditions for Ba-Phalaborwa (Limpopo).
Elsewhere, cities such as Pretoria (8°C/17°C), Johannesburg (5°C/16°C), and Vereeniging (5°C/13°C) will see partly cloudy skies with isolated morning showers. The interior remains cold, especially in Bloemfontein (3°C/11°C) and Kimberley (3°C/12°C).
Durban and Richards Bay will experience isolated morning showers before clearing, while Upington and Vryburg will remain fine and dry.
This range of weather patterns aligns with the broader Seasonal Climate Watch, which continues to forecast above-normal rainfall along the southwestern and eastern coastal areas for mid-winter.
Cold spells like today’s are consistent with seasonal expectations, particularly in southern and high-altitude areas.
