Spring may be around the corner, but winter has one last surprise for the Western Cape.
Story Summary:
- Cold, wet, and windy weather is forecast for the Western Cape this weekend, as winter-like conditions return.
- The SA Weather Service has issued warnings of possible snow in high-lying areas.
- A cut-off low-pressure system will bring wintery conditions to multiple provinces, including the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.
- Strong winds and rough seas are expected along the Western Cape coastline.
What Spring? – It’s a winter in the Western Cape this weekend
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that wintery weather is set to return to the province this weekend, bringing cold, wet, and windy conditions starting on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
A strong cold front, accompanied by a cut-off low-pressure system, will move across the region, causing widespread showers, strong winds, and even snow in the high-lying areas of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
The SA Weather Service forecasts “cold to very cold” conditions in the province’s interior and mountain regions.
Rainfall is expected to spread across the southern parts of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape, bringing relief to some areas but also prompting warnings of disruptive weather.
“We are expecting significant changes in weather this weekend, including strong winds and rough seas along the Western Cape coast,” said SAWS meteorologist Wayne Venter.
“The public is urged to take necessary precautions.”
Cold front to bring snow and storms in these areas
While spring is known for warmer temperatures, this weekend will see the Western Cape transform back into winter, with light snowfalls expected over the eastern mountains of the province from Thursday afternoon.
These cold conditions are part of a larger weather system affecting the southern parts of South Africa.
“The cut-off low pressure will bring disruptive snowfall over high-lying areas, particularly in the Eastern Cape,” said Venter.
Snowfall is also forecast for parts of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal by Friday, with the system spreading further north into Gauteng and Limpopo on Saturday.
While light snow is expected in the Western Cape’s eastern mountain regions, heavier and potentially disruptive snowfall is predicted for the Eastern Cape, where accumulations of 15 to 30 cm are possible.
Temperatures in the Western Cape are expected to plummet, with daytime highs in some areas barely reaching double digits.
The public has been advised to prepare for cold, wet conditions, and farmers in particular have been urged to protect livestock.
“Snow may cause disruptions, especially in high-lying areas, where mountain passes could be closed,” said Venter.
Snowfall is also predicted for parts of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, as temperatures drop to as low as 4 to 8°C over some regions.
Coastal areas will not escape the chill either, as strong to near-gale force winds are predicted to create rough seas, with waves reaching heights of 4.0 to 6.0 metres along the coast.
The SA Weather Service has cautioned boaters and small craft operators to be vigilant and avoid venturing out into the stormy seas.
Winter conditions across South Africa
The cold front will not stop at the Western Cape.
By Friday, 20 September, the cut-off low will spread east, introducing wintery conditions to KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and parts of Mpumalanga.
Areas such as the southern Highveld of Mpumalanga and southern Gauteng could experience snowfall by Saturday morning, although forecasts remain uncertain.
The cut-off low is expected to weaken by Saturday afternoon, with temperatures recovering by Sunday.
Until then, the Western Cape and surrounding provinces will need to brace for a brief, but intense return of winter.
“It’s important to stay informed, as the situation could evolve rapidly,” said Venter.
