Cape town: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings for cold to very cold, wet, and windy conditions expected over the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the interior of the Western Cape on Friday. This weather shift is due to a cut-off low-pressure system anticipated to develop on Thursday over the western interior, bringing significant changes to weather conditions across several provinces.

According to South African Government News Agency, earlier this week, SAWS alerted the public to the impending cold, wet, and windy conditions affecting parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Thursday into Friday. Maximum temperatures in high-lying areas may remain below 10°C, and disruptive rainfall could lead to localized flooding, particularly in the southeastern parts of the Western Cape. Strong interior winds and gale-force winds along the coastal areas pose additional risks, with waves potentially reaching 4.5 to 5.5 meters, threatening coastal activities and infrastructure.

The SAWS has issued several warnings in light of these conditions:

- Yellow Level 4 Warning: Damaging wind and waves are expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay, potentially disrupting ports and harbors until Friday.

- Yellow Level 4 Warning: Damaging winds could impact power, communication, and other utilities, cause damage to settlements, and pose dangers to life in the Namakwa District, Cape Winelands, and Central Karoo Districts until Friday.

- Yellow Level 4 Warning: Disruptive rainfall may lead to flooding and major traffic disruptions in the Overberg District, Garden Route, Langeberg, and Laingsburg municipalities of the Western Cape.

- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Localized flooding is expected along the south coast and the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.

- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Severe thunderstorms could cause wind and hail damage in the western parts of the Free State.

- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Damaging winds are anticipated over the western parts of the Western Cape and the northern interior of the Eastern Cape from Thursday afternoon into Friday.

Additionally, extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the central parts of the country, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of these severe weather conditions.