Johannesburg: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has announced that a cold front is set to hit the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday. The front will usher in cold, wet, and windy conditions, alongside rough sea conditions and possible snowfall in the mountainous regions.

According to South African Government News Agency, these weather conditions will be driven by a steep upper-air trough. The system is expected to move eastwards, affecting the Eastern Cape as well. By Monday, 10 August 2026, the trough is anticipated to deepen further as it travels over the central to eastern parts of the country. This will expand the cold and wet conditions inland, with scattered to widespread rain and showers forecasted for the southern parts of South Africa. Mountainous areas in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga may experience snowfall, with a low probability of light snow in other high-lying areas.

The anticipated weather system is expected to lead to several impacts. These include localised flooding in low-lying areas, roads, and informal settlements due to continuous rainfall. Damaging winds may result in fallen trees, damage to infrastructure, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions. Along the coastline, damaging waves and rough seas could threaten maritime activities and coastal infrastructure. The very cold conditions pose a risk to vulnerable communities and livestock. Additionally, snow over mountain passes may lead to hazardous travel conditions, road closures, and transport disruptions.

Authorities have advised the public, motorists, farmers, and disaster management teams to stay informed by following updates and warnings from the South African Weather Service. They are urged to take necessary precautions as the weather system progresses across the country.