Key Points
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Cold front South Africa weather warning includes Level 2 alerts.
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Winds may reach 95km/h with risk to transport and property.
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Coastal infrastructure and ports face disruption due to rough seas.
A powerful cold front is forecast to affect parts of South Africa starting Wednesday, May 28. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 2 warning for damaging winds in the Western Cape and Northern Cape, as gusts between 60km/h and 95km/h are expected.
Authorities are urging residents to secure loose items, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay clear of the coastline. The strongest winds are likely over the southern interior of the Northern Cape and the southwest coast of the Western Cape. These areas could face transport delays, fallen trees, and disrupted communication.
Small boats and personal watercraft face heightened risks due to rough seas. The cold front will also push temperatures in Cape Town below 16 degrees Celsius for the remainder of the week, with lows around 14 degrees.
Cold front South Africa weather warning spreads to Eastern Cape
Parts of the Eastern Cape, including Graaff-Reinet and Cradock, are under a Level 1 warning. Interior gusts reaching 80km/h could damage infrastructure, pose dangers to high-sided vehicles, and increase the risk of runaway fires.
Despite the strong winds, rainfall remains minimal. A 30 percent chance of isolated showers is forecast for limited parts of the southwestern Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal strip, including Richards Bay.
On Thursday, May 29, the cold front will persist along the southern coast. A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive waves will take effect, lasting until Sunday, June 1.
Rain chances remain low as cooler air moves inland
Wave heights between 4 and 6 meters are expected from Saldanha Bay to Cape Agulhas, later extending to Plettenberg Bay. The public is warned of possible disruptions to port operations and hazards for beachgoers.
By Friday, May 30, the system will bring cool and stable weather to much of South Africa. Inland regions like Bloemfontein and Kimberley will see clear and cool conditions, while light clouds and breezy weather will persist in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Authorities recommend caution for travelers and coastal communities, emphasizing the risk of falling trees, wind damage, and dangerous surf. Though rain is scarce, the effects of the cold front South Africa weather warning are expected to continue through the weekend.
