Severe Cold Front to Hit South Africa: Authorities Urge Public to Brace for Impact

South Africa is bracing for a powerful cold front set to strike the country’s southwestern and interior regions from Wednesday, 25 June to Friday, 27 June, bringing with it a cascade of hazardous weather conditions. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) and the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) have issued an urgent call for vigilance and preparedness, particularly for residents in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape.

The system is expected to deliver a mix of heavy rain, snowfall, gale-force winds, and treacherous sea conditions, with significant potential to cause widespread disruption across multiple sectors—including transport, agriculture, and maritime operations.

Weather System to Bring Heavy Rain, Flooding, Snow and Wind Damage

According to SAWS forecasts, the cold front will begin making landfall over the southwestern coast of the Western Cape on Wednesday. Forecasters warn of heavy and persistent rainfall, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas. These areas—particularly the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and City of Cape Town regions—are at high risk of localised flooding, which could persist into Thursday morning.

Snowfall is expected over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, extending into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape, where icy conditions may further affect rural access and transport networks. These snowy conditions may also pose risks to livestock and crop health in high-altitude farming regions.

The front will also bring strong, gusty inland winds, which could lead to uprooted trees, damaged structures, and power outages. Motorists are being cautioned to anticipate slippery roads, reduced visibility, and increased accident risks, particularly in areas where rain and wind coincide.

Maritime and Coastal Hazards Triggered by Gale-Force Winds and Rough Seas

The SAWS has also issued a marine warning for gale-force winds and rough seas along the Western Cape and Northern Cape coastlines. Wave heights of between 5.5 to 7.5 metres are expected, making conditions extremely dangerous for small vessels and coastal activities.

Fishing operations, commercial port activities, and recreational boating may be heavily affected. Authorities have strongly urged fishers, coastal residents, and beachgoers to avoid shoreline activities, as storm surges and high waves could result in vessels capsizing and life-threatening accidents.

“This could cause major disruptions to the fishing and port operations and increase the risk of vessels capsizing and accidents at sea,” SAWS warned.

Government Calls for Preparedness and Community Alertness

CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has expressed serious concern about the approaching system and its likely consequences. He has called on municipalities, disaster management centres, and emergency responders across affected regions to activate contingency plans, mobilise resources, and ensure swift support to vulnerable communities.

“We are deeply concerned about the possible impact of this approaching cold front. We call on all residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, to remain alert, follow official weather updates, and take precautionary steps to protect their lives and property,” Hlabisa said.

Municipal officials have been instructed to prepare shelters for the displaced, dispatch emergency personnel to high-risk zones, and coordinate closely with meteorological agencies for real-time updates.

Eastern Cape and Interior to Experience Cold, Windy Conditions by Thursday

As the cold front shifts eastward, its impact is expected to be felt in the Eastern Cape by Thursday, 26 June. Forecasters anticipate damaging winds and plunging daytime temperatures, especially across areas already vulnerable to infrastructure damage and flooding.

By Friday, 27 June, the freezing system is expected to advance further inland, reaching parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal highlands, and even southern Mpumalanga, ushering in widespread cold, windy conditions and sharp temperature drops.

Residents in all these regions are urged to secure outdoor items, stock up on heating essentials, and prepare for possible electricity disruptions and limited travel access in some rural areas.

Safety Precautions for the Public

Authorities are urging the public to take the following precautions:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during peak weather periods, especially in flood-prone or mountainous areas.

• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or rivers.

• Stay indoors and keep warm during cold snaps, particularly the elderly, young children, and those with health conditions.

• Secure roofing, windows, and outdoor structures in anticipation of strong winds.

• Follow weather updates from SAWS and emergency alerts from local authorities and news outlets.

National Outlook and Climate Readiness

This cold front forms part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events increasingly affecting the region. As climate change intensifies, government departments and disaster management units are working to improve forecasting, public communication, and emergency responsiveness.

The coming days will serve as a test of South Africa’s resilience to rapid-onset climate hazards, with community cooperation and early action playing key roles in mitigating potential harm.