Cape town: Cold, wet and windy conditions are expected to continue across large parts of South Africa, with the Western and Northern Cape provinces likely to experience the most severe weather.
According to South African Government News Agency, weather forecasters Lehlohonolo Thobela and Tokelo Chiloane stated that these adverse conditions are anticipated to affect much of the country through Monday, 20 April 2026. The forecasters attributed the change in weather to the passage of two consecutive cold fronts making landfall over the western parts of South Africa.
Initially, these weather systems are expected to hit the Western Cape and Northern Cape before spreading eastwards across the central and eastern interior over the weekend. By Sunday, 19 April 2026, cold, wet, and windy conditions are predicted to have reached the eastern and southern parts of the country, including South Africa's southern and eastern coastline.
The weather service has also highlighted that marine conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly, with wave heights along the coastline forecast to reach between 4 and 5 meters from Sunday into Monday, potentially impacting coastal and beach activities.
Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with some high-lying areas in the western interior and adjacent regions possibly experiencing temperatures between 10°C and 12°C. These conditions, combined with strong winds, will result in a pronounced wind chill effect, though the northern extremities of the country are expected to remain relatively warm during this period.
The inclement weather may result in a significant wind chill factor, making temperatures feel colder than measured. Localised flooding of low-lying areas and poor drainage systems may occur in regions experiencing persistent rainfall. Strong winds and rough seas could disrupt outdoor and beachfront activities, while reduced visibility and slippery roads may impact travel conditions.
The weather service has advised the public to take precautionary measures, including dressing warmly and ensuring adequate heating in homes, using heating devices safely to avoid fire hazards, and exercising caution when traveling on wet and slippery roads. They also recommend securing loose outdoor objects, staying away from the coastline during rough sea conditions, and continuously monitoring official weather updates and warnings issued by SAWS.
Members of the public and stakeholders are urged to monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings closely, as these will be updated regularly as the likelihood and severity of impacts become clearer. The public is also advised to treat unauthorized or unverified information sources with caution and to refrain from distributing such information further.