South Africans are advised to brace for increasingly severe weather today as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued alerts ahead of a powerful cold front forecast to make landfall midweek.
Weather warnings issued for Tuesday, 24 June 2025
The weather today is already showing early signs of the coming storm, with dangerous sea conditions impacting the southern coastline and growing concern over the impending atmospheric disturbance.
A yellow level 2 warning has been issued for damaging waves along the coastline stretching from Plettenberg Bay to East London.
This level of warning signifies a moderate risk with the potential for notable disruption to marine activities and coastal infrastructure. Small vessels operating within these waters face elevated risks of taking on water or capsizing.
Local ports and harbours in the affected regions may also experience operational delays or closures as sea conditions worsen.
While today’s weather warnings are concentrated along the coast, a more widespread threat looms with the approach of an intense cold front expected to begin affecting the Western, Northern, and Eastern Cape provinces from Wednesday, 25 June 2025, through Friday, 27 June 2025.
This weather system is forecast to usher in a sharp shift in atmospheric conditions across southern and eastern South Africa.
Very cold, wet, and windy conditions are anticipated, with the Western Cape set to receive heavy rainfall capable of triggering localised flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas.
Roads in these regions may become treacherous due to slick surfaces, necessitating caution from motorists.
In addition to rainfall, the front will bring strong interior winds likely to cause structural damage and uproot trees, as well as gale force winds along the coasts of the Western and Northern Cape.
Maritime conditions will deteriorate sharply, with waves expected to reach heights between 5.5 and 7.5 metres, presenting a serious hazard for fishing operations and coastal communities.
The Eastern Cape will not be spared as the front progresses eastward.
On Thursday, strong damaging winds are expected to impact much of the province, with blustery conditions extending into the eastern interior regions on Thursday and Friday.
Daytime temperatures are projected to plunge, resulting in cold to very cold conditions, with light snowfall likely over elevated terrain in the Western Cape and south-western Northern Cape.
Residents across the affected provinces are urged to monitor SAWS updates closely and take necessary precautions.
Farmers, coastal communities, and transport operators in particular should be prepared for interruptions and potentially hazardous conditions.
