Residents across the Western Cape can expect contrasting weather conditions this weekend, with showers forecast in several areas and a warning for severe thunderstorms issued for Beaufort West Municipality.
The South African Weather Service has placed Beaufort West Municipality under a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms. The alert also extends into parts of the Northern Cape.
The storms could produce heavy rainfall, hail, frequent lightning and strong, gusty winds, with the potential for localised flooding in settlements, roads and bridges.
Beaufort West among areas facing the greatest risk
Beaufort West is expected to experience the most disruptive conditions on Saturday, with severe thunderstorms possible and temperatures ranging from about 12°C to 14°C.
The combination of intense rainfall and strong winds could create hazardous conditions for motorists, particularly around roads and bridges that are vulnerable to sudden flooding.
Residents in affected areas are advised to keep monitoring official weather updates as the situation develops and to take extra care if travelling during periods of severe weather.
Different conditions expected across the province
The weather picture will vary considerably depending on location.
The far western parts of the province are expected to experience partly cloudy conditions, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm. Much of the rest of the Western Cape will be cloudy and cold, accompanied by isolated showers.
Scattered showers are also expected along the eastern sections of the south coast and into the eastern interior.
Wind conditions will vary as well. Light southerly to south-westerly winds are expected along the south coast during the morning, while moderate south-easterly winds will affect other areas. These winds could become fresh to strong along the west and south-western coasts.
Cape Town expected to stay dry
Cape Town is forecast to escape the rain on Saturday, with a minimum of around 12°C and a maximum of 24°C.
The city should remain dry on Sunday, although temperatures will be noticeably lower, reaching about 18°C after an overnight low of 13°C.
George, meanwhile, could see slight rain on Saturday before conditions improve on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to range between 13°C and 16°C on Saturday and rise to around 21°C the following day.
Inland areas could see a warmer Sunday
Worcester is also likely to experience slight rain on Saturday, with temperatures between 9°C and 17°C. By Sunday, the weather is expected to turn dry and warmer, with a high of about 25°C.
Stellenbosch could see partly cloudy to cloudy conditions on Saturday, with temperatures between 10°C and 18°C. Sunday is expected to be dry, with the mercury potentially reaching 26°C.
Beaufort West should also see a marked improvement on Sunday, with dry conditions and temperatures ranging from 11°C to 22°C.
Mossel Bay expected to avoid the rain
Mossel Bay is forecast to remain dry throughout the weekend, with no rain expected on either Saturday or Sunday.
The area is therefore likely to experience more settled conditions than several other parts of the province.
Sunday brings more settled weather
Overall, the forecast points to a significant improvement across the six locations by Sunday, with dry conditions expected in Cape Town, George, Worcester, Beaufort West, Stellenbosch and Mossel Bay.
Temperatures will also rise in several inland areas, particularly around Worcester and Stellenbosch.
However, weather conditions can change quickly, particularly where thunderstorms are forecast. Residents and travellers should continue checking the latest official forecasts and warnings before
