The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that a cold front is expected to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday, 9 August 2026, bringing cold to very cold, wet, windy, and rough sea conditions. Snowfall is also expected over the mountainous areas.

While no official weather warnings are currently in place, the SAWS has warned that the cold front could lead to localised flooding of low-lying areas, roads, bridges, and informal settlements due to persistent rainfall.

The weather system, which brings with it an associated steep upper-air trough, can also lead to damaging winds that may result in fallen trees, damage to roofs and infrastructure, power interruptions, and hazardous driving conditions

Damaging waves and rough seas along the coastline, posing a risk to maritime activities and coastal infrastructure, are also expected.

The SAWS further warned of very cold conditions, which may increase the risk of exposure for vulnerable communities and place stress on livestock, and snow over mountain passes, potentially resulting in hazardous travel conditions, road closures, and disruptions to transport.

On Monday, 10 August 2026, the upper-air trough is expected to move over the central to eastern parts of the country, spreading the cold to very cold conditions with rain and showers further inland, while scattered to widespread rain and showers are expected over the southern parts of the country.

Snow is expected over the mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.

“While there is a low probability of light snow over some of the higher-lying areas outside these regions, confidence remains highest over the mountain ranges mentioned.”

The weather service has encouraged the public, motorists, farmers, and disaster management authorities to remain informed by following updates and warnings, and to take the necessary precautions.

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