A powerful cold front is expected to sweep across South Africa from Sunday, bringing widespread rain, strong winds, rough seas, freezing temperatures and snowfall to several provinces, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
The weather system is forecast to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday, bringing cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions. Rough sea conditions are also expected along the coastline, while snow is likely over the mountainous areas.
As the system moves eastwards, these conditions, driven by a steep upper-air trough, will spread into the Eastern Cape.
On Monday, 10 August 2026, the upper-air trough is expected to deepen over the central and eastern parts of the country, extending the cold weather further inland. Scattered to widespread rain and showers are forecast across the southern regions, while snowfall is expected over the mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Although there is a slight chance of light snowfall in other high-lying areas, SAWS says confidence remains highest for the mountain ranges in the affected provinces.
Expected Impacts
The severe weather may result in:
-Localised flooding of low-lying areas, roads, bridges and informal settlements due to persistent rainfall.
-Damaging winds capable of bringing down trees, damaging roofs and infrastructure, causing power outages and creating hazardous driving conditions.
-Rough seas and damaging waves along the coastline, posing risks to maritime activities and coastal infrastructure.
-Very cold conditions that could increase the risk of exposure for vulnerable communities and place livestock under stress.
-Snow-covered mountain passes, leading to dangerous travel conditions, possible road closures and transport disruptions.
SAWS has urged the public, motorists, farmers and disaster management authorities to stay updated with the latest forecasts and weather warnings and to take the necessary precautions as the weather system moves across the country.
The weather system is forecast to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday, bringing cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions. Rough sea conditions are also expected along the coastline, while snow is likely over the mountainous areas.
As the system moves eastwards, these conditions, driven by a steep upper-air trough, will spread into the Eastern Cape.
On Monday, 10 August 2026, the upper-air trough is expected to deepen over the central and eastern parts of the country, extending the cold weather further inland. Scattered to widespread rain and showers are forecast across the southern regions, while snowfall is expected over the mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Although there is a slight chance of light snowfall in other high-lying areas, SAWS says confidence remains highest for the mountain ranges in the affected provinces.
Expected Impacts
The severe weather may result in:
-Localised flooding of low-lying areas, roads, bridges and informal settlements due to persistent rainfall.
-Damaging winds capable of bringing down trees, damaging roofs and infrastructure, causing power outages and creating hazardous driving conditions.
-Rough seas and damaging waves along the coastline, posing risks to maritime activities and coastal infrastructure.
-Very cold conditions that could increase the risk of exposure for vulnerable communities and place livestock under stress.
-Snow-covered mountain passes, leading to dangerous travel conditions, possible road closures and transport disruptions.
SAWS has urged the public, motorists, farmers and disaster management authorities to stay updated with the latest forecasts and weather warnings and to take the necessary precautions as the weather system moves across the country.
