South Africans can expect a chilly and blustery weekend as a deep low-pressure system sweeps across the country, bringing cold temperatures, damaging winds, and rain to parts of the coast, along with a Yellow Level 2 warning for the Eastern Cape.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), Saturday will see widespread cold to cool conditions across most provinces, with fine to partly cloudy skies in the interior.
Isolated 30% rainfall is expected along the southern coast, particularly around George and Plettenberg Bay, while winds will strengthen over the Eastern Cape coastline, reaching speeds between 80–100km/h offshore.
“A deep low-pressure system passing south of the country will result in strong to gale force winds and rough seas, with wave heights reaching up to 8 metres,” said SAWS forecasters.
“This poses a significant risk to small vessels, temporary structures, and high-sided vehicles along exposed routes.”
By Sunday, June 22, the disruptive conditions will persist. Parts of Limpopo, including Polokwane and Phalaborwa, may experience morning 30% showers as colder air pushes into the interior.
In the Western Cape, another 30% chance of rain is forecast for the Overberg and Garden Route areas, while interior towns like Sutherland and Worcester remain cold with fog patches and gusty winds.
Communities in coastal regions, particularly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel near the shorelines.
The Yellow Level 2 warnings, issued for both damaging winds and waves, are in effect from Friday until Tuesday, with peak impact expected Saturday into Sunday. Affected areas include Nelson Mandela Bay, Kouga, and coastal municipalities from Cannon Rocks to East London.
Impacts listed by SAWS include:
- Difficulty in navigation at sea.
- Localised disruption of ports and harbours.
- Danger to life for beachgoers and small vessels.
- Localised damage to temporary structures and trees.
Inland cities such as Johannesburg and Bloemfontein will remain dry but chilly, while Durban and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal may feel the effects of strong coastal breezes.
As the country settles into the heart of winter, SAWS has reiterated the importance of heeding weather advisories.
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