SAWS
The SAWS has issued a series of warnings for Thursday, 31 July, as cold, wet, and windy weather is expected to impact multiple provinces. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Home » SAWS warns of harsh cold, wet, and windy conditions expected on Thursday

SAWS warns of harsh cold, wet, and windy conditions expected on Thursday

The SAWS has released several warnings for Thursday, 31 July, with cold, wet, and windy conditions forecast to affect several provinces.

By Garrin Lambley
30-07-25 17:57
in Featured
SAWS
The SAWS has issued a series of warnings for Thursday, 31 July, as cold, wet, and windy weather is expected to impact multiple provinces. Image: Wikimedia Commons

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several warnings for Thursday, 31 July, as it expects cold, wet, and windy weather to affect multiple provinces, including the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Western Cape and Northern Cape: Cold, wet, windy

A high-pressure system ridging behind a cold front will bring:

  • Very cold to wet and windy conditions in:
    • Cape Winelands
    • Central Karoo
    • Little Karoo
    • Namakwa District (Northern Cape)

Residents are urged to take extra care of livestock and pets, and ensure adequate shelter from freezing temperatures.

Damaging winds and high waves: Coastal alert

Western Cape coast (Thursday – Friday):

  • Waves: 4-6 metres
  • Wave period: 10-13 seconds
  • Areas affected: From Saldanha Bay to Cape Agulhas in the morning, spreading to Plettenberg Bay and Alexander Bay later in the day
  • Wind speeds: 40-60km/h along southern and southwestern coastlines

KwaZulu-Natal coast (Thursday – Friday):

  • Winds: Strong southerly to south-westerly winds
  • Speed: 25-35 knots, gusting up to 40 knots
  • Affected areas: Port Edward to Mtunzini Thursday night, spreading to Kosi Bay by Friday

Impact risks:

  • Navigation hazards for small vessels
  • Increased risk of capsising
  • Localised disruption to harbour/port activities
  • Beachfront disruptions expected

Eastern Cape: Disruptive snow and coastal danger

Interior (Thursday)

  • Light snow expected on high ground
  • Road icing likely due to sub-zero temperatures
  • Risk of traffic disruption at night

East coast (Thursday – Friday):

  • Gale-force W/SW winds
  • Wave height: 4.5m to 6.5 metres, persisting for more than 24 hours
  • Possible impact: Dangerous seas, port disruptions, beach closures, and threats to small boats

SAWS safety advice

  • Avoid travel in snow-prone or high-wind areas where possible
  • Use heating devices safely – never leave open flames unattended
  • Secure outdoor items that may become hazardous in strong winds
  • Mariners and beachfront operators should monitor updates and avoid unnecessary operations
Tags: DMumani featured Important South Africa Weather