The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has escalated warnings for the Eastern Cape, forecasting persistent and potentially damaging waves and winds along the coast for Monday. While the Eastern Cape bears the brunt of severe conditions, much of South Africa wakes to a distinctly chilly and cool start to the week, with light rain expected in the Western Cape and frost threatening inland areas.

Eastern Cape: Coastal Havoc Takes Center Stage

The primary weather focus remains firmly fixed on the Eastern Cape coastline. SAWS has issued a Level 4 Yellow Warning for damaging winds and waves, urging residents and mariners to exercise extreme caution.

Damaging Winds: Strong north-westerly to westerly winds, gusting between 50-60 km/h, are expected along the coast between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and East London. These winds pose a significant threat:

• Structural Damage: Loose roofing, poorly secured structures, and temporary shelters are vulnerable.
• Transport Disruption: High-sided vehicles (trucks, buses) risk being blown over on exposed coastal routes like the N2. Localized disruptions to air travel are possible.
• Falling Trees: Trees, especially those weakened by recent weather, could be uprooted, damaging property and blocking roads.

Damaging Waves: The powerful onshore winds are whipping up treacherous sea conditions:

• Wave Heights: Expect significant wave heights of 4.0 to 5.5 meters, with occasional freak waves exceeding 7 meters near the coast.
• Coastal Impact: Severe wave action leads to coastal erosion, damage to harbours, coastal infrastructure (like piers and walkways), and localized flooding of low-lying coastal roads and properties. Beachfront areas are particularly at risk.
• Marine Danger: Conditions are extremely hazardous for all marine activities. Small vessels risk capsizing, and even larger ships face challenging navigation. SAWS strongly advises against any voyages

Residents in coastal communities from St Francis Bay to Port Alfred should secure property, avoid coastal promenades, and heed local authority instructions. Mariners MUST stay in port.

Western Cape: Light Rain Brings Respite, But Cold Lingers

While escaping the severe coastal battering, the Western Cape sees a shift:

• Rainfall: Light rain is forecast over the southwestern parts, including Cape Town and the Boland. While generally welcome after dry spells, it won’t significantly impact dam levels. Motorists should still anticipate wet roads and slightly reduced visibility during morning commutes.
• Temperatures: Despite the rain, cool conditions persist. Daytime highs in Cape Town will struggle to reach the high teens (°C). Frost is unlikely in the immediate Cape Town metro but remains a threat in the interior Karoo overnight.

The Rest of South Africa: A Chilly, Mostly Dry Monday

The cold front influencing the south has ushered in crisp air across much of the country:

Highveld (Gauteng, Mpumalanga Highveld, Free State): Expect cool, dry, and sunny conditions. Morning temperatures will be particularly brisk, hovering in the low single digits in many areas. Johannesburg and Pretoria will see highs around 17-19°C. Frost is possible in low-lying areas of the Free State and Mpumalanga on Monday night.

KwaZulu-Natal: Mostly fine and cool, though slightly warmer than the Highveld. Coastal regions (Durban) will be pleasant with highs near 22°C, while the interior Pietermaritzburg area reaches around 20°C.

Northern Provinces (Limpopo, North West): Fine, sunny, and cool to warm. Frost risk is minimal here.

Interior (Karoo, Northern Cape): Very cold mornings are the highlight, with widespread frost expected. Daytime will be sunny but remaining cool. Sutherland and similar high-lying areas could see early morning temperatures well below freezing

Safety First: Navigating Monday’s Conditions

Eastern Cape Coast:

• STAY INDOORS near the shore during peak wind/wave periods.
• Secure outdoor furniture, bins, and any loose objects.
• Park vehicles under cover if possible, away from trees or unstable structures.
• Avoid coastal drives unless absolutely essential.
• Heed SAWS warnings and local authority updates.

Inland Frost Areas (Free State, Karoo, Mpumalanga Lowveld):

• Protect sensitive plants (cover or move indoors).
• Ensure pets have warm shelter.
• Allow extra time for your morning commute – frost makes roads slippery, especially on bridges and in shaded areas.
• Check vehicle antifreeze levels.

Western Cape Rain:

• Increase following distance and reduce speed on wet roads.
• Ensure windscreen wipers are functional

The Bigger Picture: Climate Variability and Coastal Vulnerability
While individual weather events cannot be directly attributed to climate change, the increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms and damaging wave events align with projections for Southern Africa. Rising sea levels also exacerbate the impact of storm surges and coastal erosion. The Eastern Cape coastline, with its mix of urban development and sensitive ecosystems, is particularly vulnerable. Events like today’s highlight the critical need for:

Enhanced Coastal Management: Strengthening infrastructure, enforcing building setbacks, and protecting natural buffers like dunes and wetlands. [External Link: DEFF Coastal Management Programme]

Robust Early Warning Systems: SAWS plays a vital role, but community outreach and understanding of warnings need continuous improvement.

Climate Adaptation Planning: Coastal municipalities must integrate climate risks into long-term planning and disaster management strategies

Looking Ahead

The damaging winds and waves in the Eastern Cape are expected to gradually subside from late Monday into Tuesday. However, cool to cold conditions will persist across the interior for the next few days. Another cold front might approach the Western Cape towards the end of the week, potentially bringing more rain and reinforcing the chill

Stay Updated:

For the very latest, minute-by-minute warnings, and detailed forecasts for your specific location, always refer to the official South African Weather Service (SAWS) website and app. News24 will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of significant weather developments impacting South Africans

Thanks for reading for more news visit our website

For more weather news SAWS Official Website

This post by news24.com