If you thought summer was here to stay, think again.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of serious weather warnings for the Western Cape, signaling that several cold fronts are rolling in between Thursday, July 3 and Sunday, July 6.
This means residents and visitors should expect heavy rain, strong winds, high coastal waves, and a noticeable drop in temperatures that could disrupt daily life.
What the Weather Service Is Warning About
SAWS has raised the alarm with a Level 4 Yellow warning for disruptive rain — which is a signal to take this seriously.
They’ve also issued Level 2 alerts for damaging winds and big waves, plus a general heads-up about very cold, wet, and windy weather conditions coming through.
According to SAWS, the most intense cold front will arrive by Friday afternoon in the southwestern parts of the Cape, bringing quick, heavy downpours, especially in the mountainous areas.
Weather Highlights: Rain, Wind, and Waves
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Disruptive Rain (Level 4): Expect between 30 to 60mm of rain in the southwest, but mountainous spots could see up to 90mm from Friday through Saturday. With the ground already saturated, this much rain could cause flooding and damage infrastructure.
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Damaging Winds (Level 2): Strong winds ranging from 60 to 70 km/h, gusting up to 80 km/h, are expected—particularly from Saldanha Bay down to Cape Agulhas on Friday.
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High Waves (Level 2): Coastal areas from Cape Agulhas to Plettenberg Bay will face waves between 4.5 to 5.5 meters high, with long wave periods making sea conditions very dangerous from Saturday through Monday.
How to Stay Safe and Prepared
SAWS urges everyone in the Western Cape to take precautions seriously:
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Avoid travel in flood-prone or coastal areas unless absolutely necessary.
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Secure any loose items around your home or business to prevent damage from the winds.
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Steer clear of swimming or boating during the expected rough sea conditions.
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Prepare for chilly temperatures by ensuring you have adequate heating and shelter.
Local disaster teams are already on high alert and ready to respond if needed.
Make sure to keep an eye on official weather updates and announcements for the latest information.