Cape town: The South African Weather Service has issued a warning regarding the impact of a strong cold front expected to hit the western parts of the country from Sunday to Tuesday. The cold front follows a period of adverse weather linked to a cut-off low pressure system and is projected to reach the Western Cape on Sunday afternoon before moving eastward.

According to South African Government News Agency, this weather system is likely to cause widespread disruptive rainfall, strong to gale-force winds, very rough seas, and significantly colder temperatures across the western interior and coastal regions. Disruptive rain is anticipated to develop over the western parts of the Western Cape from Sunday evening through Tuesday, with a low likelihood of severe flooding, particularly over Cape Town, Cape Winelands, and Overberg.

Rainfall accumulations between 100 and 200 mm are possible in certain areas, potentially impacting infrastructure, transport routes, and vulnerable communities. Very cold and windy conditions are expected across the western interior, with wind speeds between 50 and 70 km/h. Strong to gale-force winds along the west and south coast will persist from Sunday afternoon until at least Tuesday night.

Additionally, there is a high risk of rough and choppy sea conditions, with destructive waves posing a danger to navigation and coastal activities. The cold front is expected to bring the following weather-related impacts between Sunday and Tuesday:

- Orange level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall leading to flooding and mudslides is expected over several local municipalities of the Western Cape.

- Orange level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall and flooding is anticipated in the West Coast, Cape Winelands, and parts of the Overberg Districts.

- Orange level 6 warning for damaging winds and waves is expected along the coast between Lambert's Bay and Plettenberg Bay.

- Orange level 5 warning for damaging interior winds affecting settlements and power interruptions in parts of the Cape Winelands and Central Karoo Districts.

- Yellow level 4 warning for damaging winds and waves along the coast between Alexander Bay and Lambert's Bay.

- Yellow level 2 warning for damaging winds affecting informal settlements and high-sided vehicles on prone routes.

- Yellow level 2 warning for disruptive snowfall impacting livestock and traffic in the Karoo Hoogland municipality and parts of the Cape Winelands District.

The public is advised to monitor official weather updates and warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and secure outdoor objects. Coastal activities should be avoided, and livestock should be adequately sheltered. Emergency kits with essentials are recommended, and community leaders are advised to activate contingency plans. Caution is urged regarding unauthorised information sources.