Western Cape Weekend Weather: Cold, Heavy Rain & Coastal Hazards

Western Cape Weekend Weather: Cold, Heavy Rain & Coastal Hazards

Updated: Friday, July 4, 2025

The Western Cape is preparing for a wet and cold weekend as a series of cold fronts sweep across the province. Forecasts predict 20–30 mm of rain between Friday and Sunday, accompanied by strong coastal winds, rough seas, and flood risks in low-lying areas :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

🌧️ Rainfall Outlook: 20–30 mm Expected

The first cold front is forecast to arrive on Friday, triggering widespread showers and moderate downpours. Residential areas, farms, and vineyards—already saturated from previous rains—could face flooding, mudslides, and rockfalls

  • Cape Town Metro & Coast: 20–30 mm expected over 24 hours.
  • Mountainous Areas (Cederberg, Overberg): 30–40 mm likely, with colder air aloft
  • Second Front: A follow-up system may arrive Sunday, extending showers into Monday :contentReference
Western Cape Weekend Weather
Western Cape Weekend Weather

🌬️ Wind, Waves & Coastal Warnings

The SA Weather Service has issued advisories:

  • Yellow Level 2 for disruptive rainfall (Saturday to Sunday) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
  • Yellow Level 2 for damaging waves between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas, extending east to Plettenberg Bay :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
  • Yellow Level 1 for damaging winds along the western to southern coast (Friday evening into Saturday) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Strong offshore berg winds may precede the front before shifting to cold marine winds, worsening wind chill and leading to sea spray and beach erosion :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🌨️ Snow & Cold in the Highlands

The cold front isn’t just about rain—high-altitude areas like Cederberg and Matroosberg may see light snowfall. Temperatures are expected to drop seriously, impacting mountainous roads and posing a risk to small-stock farmers .

📉 Regional Forecast Highlights

RegionSaturdaySundayWarnings
Cape Town12–14 °C, 80% rain chance, strong windsSimilar conditions, easing in eveningRain + Wind + Waves
Stellenbosch / Paarl11–14 °C, 80–99% rain, gusts 40–60 km/h60–88% rain, still windyRain + Mudslide Risk
Garden Route (George, Knysna, Mossel Bay)14–17 °C, 60% rain60% (coast), inland showersRain
Overberg / Cederberg10–12 °C, 30–40 mm rain, possible snowPersistent showers, coldHeavy Rain + Snow

🚗 Travel & Safety Tips

  • Avoid flooded roads and low bridges; remember that even shallow water can stall vehicles.
  • Drive cautiously in wind and rain: reduce speed, increase braking distances, and watch for rockfalls on mountain routes.
  • Marine safety: small craft advisories in force—stay ashore if possible.
  • Protect property: clear gutters, secure outdoor items, trim vulnerable trees :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
  • Farmers: shelter small stock from wind and rain; monitor mountain passes for closures due to snow or mud.
  • Stay informed: follow SAWS, Western Cape DMC, and local authorities for live updates.

🗣️ What Authorities Are Saying

Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Environmental Affairs & Dev Planning, confirmed via SA Weather Service reports that multiple warnings have been issued due to the impact of saturated soil and flooding along major rivers :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management advises citizens to remain vigilant and proactive—by checking drains, keeping sandbags handy, and avoiding risky routes :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

Published by News24 Weather Team.

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