Cape town: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning about widespread cold, wet, and windy conditions expected to affect several provinces. Light snowfall is anticipated over the higher mountains of the Cape provinces and the Drakensberg mountains.
According to South African Government News Agency, the adverse weather is attributed to a Cut-Off Low (COL) pressure system forecasted to impact the southern provinces of South Africa from Wednesday through Thursday. Areas in the Western and Eastern Cape, which were recently affected by a previous cut-off low system, are at high risk for flooding.
The SAWS has indicated that rainfall associated with the Cut-Off Low will become widespread on Wednesday and Thursday, particularly affecting the Garden Route District of the Western Cape and extending into the central and western parts of the Eastern Cape. This region is still recovering from the impacts of the previous weather system, and the anticipated rainfall could lead to localized to significant flooding in vulnerable areas such as roads, bridges, low-lying settlements, and river crossings.
Fast-moving streams and rivers may pose a danger to life, and major transport routes could experience disruptions due to flooding and poor visibility. Additionally, the weather system is expected to cause a significant drop in daytime temperatures across the affected regions.
The SAWS also forecasts light, non-disruptive snowfall over higher terrains in the Cape provinces, the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, and the Clarens area of the Free State. Although current models predict only light snowfalls, travelers and communities in mountainous areas are advised to stay informed of forecast updates from the SAWS, as conditions may change with new data from Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models.
While snowfalls are expected in the Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the depth of snowfall is not anticipated to cause significant disruptions in the Van Reenen's Pass region of the N3 highway.
Strong winds and rough sea conditions are predicted along the southwestern and southern coastlines of the Western Cape, as well as the southern coastline of the Eastern Cape. These conditions may complicate navigation at sea, particularly for small vessels and personal watercraft.
The public is strongly advised to monitor official weather updates and warnings issued by the SAWS, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and flooding, and never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, or swollen rivers. Additionally, securing loose outdoor objects, exercising caution along coastal areas, and avoiding fishing or recreational activities at sea during the warning period are recommended. Providing shelter and protection for livestock and pets and preparing emergency kits with essentials like flashlights, batteries, warm clothing, and blankets are also advised.