Capetonians have been urged to take cover this weekend as two cold fronts are moving across the metro. While no severe warnings are forecasted, the City of Cape Town says it presents an opportunity for residents to conduct pre-winter assessments and mitigate the risk of potential impacts ahead of the winter season.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), there is a chance of light to moderate showers until Sunday.
The SAWS added that the cold fronts will bring cold, wet and windy conditions over the western interior parts of the country, including the Western Cape and Northern Cape.
“Significant rainfall is expected over these regions, accompanied by strong winds as well as a notable drop in daytime temperatures,”
Wind speeds are expected to pick up towards the latter part of the weekend, with a yellow level-2 warning for wind and wave damage from late on Saturday until Monday.
Weather outlook for Friday & Saturday, 17 – 18 April 2026.
Cloudy & cold to cool conditions are expected, with isolated to scattered showers & thundershowers possible over most parts of the country except the extreme north-eastern parts and the western interior on Saturday. #saws pic.twitter.com/wE11zCI1Ax— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) April 15, 2026
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said that if the predicted showers and wind are significant enough, they could help residents identify any potential faults on their properties. This includes leaks, loose roof tiles or sheets, and any other weather-related risks that could pose challenges once winter truly sets in.
Smith has urged the public to do checks around the home this weekend and make a list of anything that needs attention.
“More preparation means improved mitigation of major impacts during severe weather spells, which in turn relieves the pressure on emergency, enforcement and other service departments,” added Smith
Smiht added that the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre coordinates Cape Town’s planning and response to any adverse weather-related impacts.
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell says they are ramping up their Flood-wise campaign, including community-based risk assessments, going door-to-door to assist communities with tips on how they can safeguard themselves and their families.
” – and of course also ensuring that City departments are pulling together through our Winter Readiness Task Team, which meets every two weeks and will switch to weekly meetings from May,” added Powell.
To report any emergency incident, call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
