The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is warning of typical winter weather across large parts of South Africa this week, with a cold front being supported by an upper-air cut-off low.
SAWS said today (Tuesday, 11 August 2026), that wet, very cold and windy conditions are expected across the southern parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, as well as the interior of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Snowfalls are possible over mountainous areas, while rough seas and damaging coastal conditions are expected along parts of the coastline.
“Farmers and the public in general are advised to take necessary precautions,” SAWS said.
Weather warnings for Tuesday, 11 August
Orange Level 6 Warning – Disruptive Snow
Disruptive snowfall is expected over Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.
The heavy snow could disrupt livelihoods, cause major traffic disruptions and temporarily leave some communities inaccessible.
Yellow Level 2 Warning – Disruptive Snow
Disruptive snowfall is expected in parts of Dr Beyers Naude, Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlathi, Intsika Yethu, Dr AB Xuma, Mhlontlo and Mzimvubu local municipalities, as well as Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
Snow is also expected along the Lesotho border in the eastern and southern Free State, as well as in western KwaZulu-Natal.
The conditions could result in localised traffic disruptions, isolated livestock and crop losses, and disruptions to services
Yellow Level 2 Warning – Disruptive Rain
Disruptive rainfall is expected across Mpumalanga, except for the extreme western parts of the province.
The rain could cause localised flooding of vulnerable settlements, roads and bridges.
Yellow Level 2 Warning – Damaging Winds and Waves
Damaging winds and waves are expected along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
SAWS warns that the conditions could disrupt activities at small harbours and ports, create dangerous navigation conditions and affect coastal activities. Damage to infrastructure and settlements, injuries and a danger to life from flying debris are also possible.
Yellow Level 2 Warning – Damaging Winds
Damaging winds are expected over the northern parts of the West Coast District and Witzenberg Municipality in the Western Cape, as well as the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, excluding the north-eastern parts of Pofadder Municipality.
Western parts of Mpumalanga are also affected.
The strong winds could damage formal and informal settlements and temporary structures, while dust storms could cause locally reduced visibility.
Yellow Level 1 Warning – Damaging Winds
Damaging winds are expected between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas from Tuesday morning until Wednesday afternoon, 11–12 August 2026.
The conditions could make navigation at sea difficult.
SAWS has also warned of extremely high fire danger conditions over the Richtersveld Municipality.
Residents, motorists, farmers and coastal communities are urged to remain alert and take appropriate precautions as the cold front and associated weather system move across the country.
