Friday’s Weather Across South Africa: Snow, Disruptive Rain & Gale‑Force Winds
Friday’s Weather Across South Africa: Snow, Disruptive Rain & Gale‑Force Winds
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
A powerful cold front is expected to sweep across South Africa today, triggering heavy rain, disruptive snowfall, and gale‑force coastal winds. Both the Western Cape and Eastern Cape are under multiple impact‑based warnings, with the KwaZulu‑Natal Drakensberg and Free State also facing wintry conditions.
🌧️ Rain & Flooding Risk in the Western Cape
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall in the extreme western parts of the Western Cape—especially around Saldanha Bay, Cape Metropole, and the Overberg region. Rainfall of 20–30 mm was reported over the weekend—and today’s front could bring another 20–30 mm, particularly over saturated ground :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Expect flash floods on low‑lying roads, bridges, and informal settlements.
Local authorities are already monitoring riverbanks and drainage systems.
SAWS has released a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds and waves along the Karoo south‑west coast:
Gusts may reach up to 80 km/h between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Waves of 4–5 m are anticipated between Plettenberg Bay and East London :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Sea travel is highly discouraged; small vessels risk capsizing or taking on water.
❄️ Snow & Icy Roads Over Eastern Cape, Drakensberg & More
Disruptive snowfall is expected in the north‑east parts of the Eastern Cape (Yellow Level 1 warning), including areas like Senqu, Elundini—and the Drakensberg peaks extending into KZN and Lesotho :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
High passes may be closed due to snow and ice.
Livestock may be at risk; small‑stock farmers warned.
Traffic disruptions likely in the Drakensberg, Eastern Cape highlands, and Free State border areas.
📉 Inland Cold & Showers in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga
A cut‑off low will bring scattered showers and chilly temperatures inland:
Gauteng: Morning fog clearing to crisp intervals (Johannesburg ~11–16 °C) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
“By Friday, very cold conditions will spread further inland, and snowfall is possible over the high peaks of the Eastern Cape and southern Drakensberg.” :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
SAWS adds that saturated ground + rain = higher risk of floods, while strong winds and rough seas pose major threats to life and property along the coast :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
📅 Forecast at a Glance
Western Cape: Rain and strong gusts Friday; gradual improvement into Sunday.
Eastern Cape & Drakensberg: Snowy with icy roads November–Friday morning.
