South Africans brace for severe weather as DOUBLE cold front approaches
The severe cold snap is expected to impact large parts of the country, with Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Northern Cape among the hardest hit.
SAWS is urging households to prepare for adverse weather, particularly between Tuesday and Friday. 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.
are forecast in Gauteng, with on Friday and . Daytime highs will remain in the low teens. Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected across central and western parts of the country.
are expected across central and western parts of the country. Strong winds and large coastal swells are forecast along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline .
are forecast along the . An extremely high fire danger warning has been issued for the Nama Khoi municipality in the Northern Cape .
has been issued for the in the . While SAWS noted that such conditions are in line with seasonal expectations, it warned that 'vigilance, safety and mitigation measures are critical.'
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
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.
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
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