Cape town: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a forecast indicating a period of cold, wet, and windy weather conditions expected to impact large portions of the country from Friday through to Monday, 20 April.

According to South African Government News Agency, this weather change is attributed to two consecutive cold fronts making landfall over the western regions of South Africa. Initially, these systems are set to affect the Western Cape and Northern Cape before moving eastward across the central and eastern interior over the weekend.

Daytime maximum temperatures are anticipated to drop significantly, with high-lying areas in the western interior and adjacent regions potentially experiencing temperatures between 10°C and 12°C. These conditions, coupled with strong winds, will result in a notable wind chill effect. In contrast, the northern parts of the country are expected to remain relatively warm during this period.

Additionally, marine conditions are projected to worsen, with wave heights along the coastline expected to reach between 4.0 and 5.0 metres from Sunday into Monday, possibly affecting coastal and beach activities.

Starting Friday, 17 April, the western interior, including parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape, will experience cold, wet, and windy conditions. By Saturday, 18 April, the cold airmass will advance into the central interior as the cold front progresses further east.

Widespread cool to cold conditions are anticipated across much of South Africa, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers forecast over the central and eastern provinces, including the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. By Sunday, 19 April, these conditions will have spread to the eastern and southern parts of the country, including the southern and eastern coastline.

The impact of these weather conditions includes a significant wind chill factor, localized flooding in low-lying areas, disruptions to outdoor and beachfront activities, and potentially hazardous travel conditions due to reduced visibility and slippery roads.

The public is advised to dress warmly, ensure safe use of heating devices, exercise caution when traveling on wet roads, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, secure outdoor objects, and stay away from the coastline during rough seas. It is also recommended to continuously monitor official weather updates and warnings issued by SAWS.