The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an advisory for cold conditions across the country, with daytime temperatures expected to drop to 10°C or lower in parts of the Northern and Western Cape. Residents in these regions should prepare for persistent cold, while other provinces will experience varying conditions ranging from fine and cool to partly cloudy with isolated showers.
Where are the coldest conditions expected?
The most severe cold is concentrated in the Northern and Western Cape provinces. According to the SAWS, daytime temperatures of 10°C and below are anticipated over the southern parts of Namakwa in the Northern Cape, as well as the Witzenberg Local Municipality and the Central Karoo District Municipality in the Western Cape.
Did You Know? The town of Sutherland in the Northern Cape is currently experiencing the lowest temperature range in the country, with forecasts showing a low of -4°C and a high of only 10°C.
Regional weather outlook
Conditions vary significantly across the rest of the country. Gauteng, North West, and parts of Mpumalanga are largely reporting fine and cool weather. In contrast, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are seeing more cloud cover, with the SAWS forecasting isolated showers and rain along the south coast and in the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal respectively.
Expert Insight: The disparity between the freezing temperatures in the interior of the Northern Cape and the warmer, coastal-influenced temperatures in KwaZulu-Natal highlights the significant geographical impact on South Africa’s climate. Residents should monitor local updates, as sudden shifts in wind direction—particularly along the coast—often precede rapid changes in localized weather conditions.
What happens next?
Conditions may remain volatile in coastal regions where wind patterns are shifting. In the Northern Cape, moderate south-easterly winds are expected to become fresh to strong by the afternoon. Similarly, coastal areas in the Western Cape may see a transition from light, variable winds to fresh south-easterly breezes as the day progresses. Residents in areas expecting showers or thundershowers should anticipate these to develop primarily in the afternoon or evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas are under a very cold weather advisory?
Very cold conditions (10°C and below) are expected in the southern parts of Namakwa in the Northern Cape, and the Witzenberg and Central Karoo districts in the Western Cape.
Will it be rainy across the whole country?
No. While isolated showers are expected in the south-east of the Northern Cape, the south-west of the Western Cape, the south coast of the Eastern Cape, and the east of KwaZulu-Natal, many other regions like Gauteng and North West remain fine.
Are temperatures expected to rise in the Northern Cape?
While some areas will remain cold, temperatures are forecast to reach highs of 21°C in Upington and 22°C in Kimberley, showing a significant variance compared to the freezing conditions in Sutherland.
How are you adjusting your plans to account for these temperature shifts?
