South Africans prepare for extreme conditions as double cold front looms

A double cold front will hit South Africa this week, bringing freezing temperatures, hazardous weather, and heightened fire and flood risks, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned.

The intense cold spell will affect much of the country, with Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Northern Cape expected to bear the brunt.

SAWS is urging households to prepare for the severe weather conditions expected between Tuesday and Friday.

What to expect

• Freezing temperatures are forecast in Gauteng, with Johannesburg expected to dip to 0°C on Friday and Pretoria to 2°C. Daytime highs will remain in the low teens.
• Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected across central and western parts of the country.
• Strong winds and large coastal swells are forecast along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
• An extremely high fire danger warning has been issued for the Nama Khoi municipality in the Northern Cape.
• While SAWS noted that such conditions are in line with seasonal expectations, it warned that “vigilance, safety and mitigation measures are critical.”

Safety tips

SAWS has cautioned the public about the increased risk of household fires during cold spells, particularly in informal settlements or homes using open flames and fuel-based heaters.

“Never leave heaters, braziers, paraffin stoves or candles unattended,” SAWS said in a statement.

Residents are advised to:

• Use draft stoppers or towels under doors to keep out the cold
• Apply bubble wrap or thermal film to windows for insulation
• Limit time outdoors during extreme cold or wet conditions
• Ventilate spaces when using gas or paraffin heaters to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

Support the vulnerable

The cold front poses a significant risk to vulnerable communities, especially children, the elderly, and those living in informal settlements.

SAWS and relief organisations are urging South Africans to:

• Check on elderly neighbours or those living alone
• Donate blankets, warm clothing, and food to shelters or local NGOs
• Share sandbags, gloves, or rain protection with communities in flood-prone areas

“Even a single blanket can mean the difference between survival and suffering,” one aid worker said.

Stay informed

SAWS has warned that hazardous conditions – including flooding, strong winds, and icy roads – may develop with little warning.

Residents should:

• Follow updates on weather channels and the SAWS website
• Avoid unnecessary travel during poor visibility or waterlogged roads
• Never attempt to drive across flooded routes, even if water appears shallow