The Western Cape is bracing for harsh weather conditions this week as a cold front sweeps across the province, bringing with it damaging winds, high waves and a significant drop in temperatures.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17–18, will see persistent cold, with wind speeds reaching dangerous levels and wave heights expected to peak at over 5 metres along parts of the coast.

“A cold front is expected to slip south of the country on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in north-westerly to westerly damaging winds of 35 to 55km/h gusting up to 60 to 75km/h between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay,” the SAWS said.

The wind warning is valid from Tuesday evening until late Wednesday.

In addition, a more serious Level 2 warning has been issued for damaging waves, effective until Thursday night.

“Westerly to south-westerly swells with wave heights reaching 4.0 to 5.0 m, but 5.5 m on Wednesday, are expected along the coast between Saldanha Bay to Plettenberg Bay,” said the forecasters.

These conditions are likely to result in difficulty navigating at sea, with risks of small vessels capsizing and localised disruptions to port and beachfront activities.

“Small vessel operators, including those using kayaks, may be at risk of taking on water or capsizing,” the weather service cautioned.

Rainfall probabilities for the region remain modest at around 30% along the southern coast, particularly near George and Cape Agulhas. Despite the limited precipitation, strong gusts and sea conditions are expected to be the dominant concern.

The front will also usher in bitterly cold temperatures. A special advisory issued by SAWS states that very cold conditions will prevail from Wednesday through Saturday across much of the Western and Northern Cape.

“Cold to very cold daytime temperatures of 10°C and below are expected in places over the interior of the Western Cape,” SAWS said.

Residents and farmers are urged to take precautions.

“The small stock farmers and the public are advised to take the necessary precaution to ensure the safety and health of themselves and their livestock during very cold days.”

The weather service has urged the public to monitor further updates and exercise caution, especially near coastal areas.

IOL News

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