South Africa continues to feel the brunt of an intense cold front as severe weather conditions persist this week.
Weather warnings issued for Thursday, 26 June 2025
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of impact-based warnings affecting both coastal and interior regions, particularly in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape.
The weather on Thursday, 26 June 2025, will be dominated by powerful winds, very rough seas, heavy rain, and snowfall, resulting in considerable risks to infrastructure, transport, and public safety.
Foremost among the warnings is a Yellow Level 4 alert for damaging waves expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay.
This high-level warning indicates a serious threat to coastal infrastructure and public activities near the shoreline, with wave heights reaching up to six metres.
The force of the sea may cause significant damage to beachfront facilities and heighten risks for maritime operations.
Complementing this is a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging coastal winds. These winds are forecast along stretches from Cape Agulhas to East London and from Port Edward to Cape Vidal.
These conditions pose a danger to small vessels, which may face capsizing due to difficulty in navigation and potential water ingress.
Small harbours and ports are also expected to experience temporary operational disruptions.
Additional Yellow Level 2 warnings are in place for interior wind and wave hazards, particularly affecting the Free State, southeastern Northern Cape, northwestern KwaZulu-Natal, and coastal and adjacent interior areas between Plettenberg Bay and East London.
High-sided vehicles are at risk, especially on exposed transport routes, and public transport services may be impacted.
In the Western Cape, cities and districts including Cape Town, Cederberg, Cape Winelands, and Overberg are under a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall.
The risk of localised flooding in informal settlements, low-lying areas, and on key roadways remains high, especially during the morning hours.
Snowfall, although limited, is also expected. A Yellow Level 1 warning has been issued for disruptive snow in the Senqu and Elundini Local Municipalities of the Eastern Cape, where icy conditions could impede road travel and threaten vulnerable livestock and crops.
Extreme fire danger conditions are forecast in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, particularly within the Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Ba-Phalaborwa, and Maruleng municipalities.
The intense cold front, active since Wednesday, will continue through Friday, affecting multiple provinces. Snow, rough seas, and gale-force winds remain a serious concern for residents and authorities alike.
The public is strongly encouraged to heed warnings, limit non-essential travel, and take appropriate protective measures, particularly those in vulnerable areas or engaged in maritime or agricultural operations.
