South Africa is set for a major change in weather conditions from Thursday as a cut-off low moves across parts of the country.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the system could bring heavy and disruptive rainfall, damaging winds, rough seas and a significant drop in temperatures.
A Yellow Level 4 warning has been issued for parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape, with forecasters cautioning residents to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.
SAWS forecaster Tokelo Chiloane said coastal areas could experience waves of up to 5.5 metres, while strong winds and disruptive rainfall are expected in several inland areas.
The Overberg and Garden Route in the Western Cape are among the areas expected to be affected as the system makes landfall before moving eastwards.
Parts of the Eastern Cape are also likely to experience the impact, including Nelson Mandela Bay and Gqeberha, where a Yellow Level 2 warning is currently in place.
Chiloane said additional warnings for areas further inland could be issued once the system makes landfall and meteorologists are able to assess its intensity.
The cold-core system is expected to cause a sharp drop in temperatures across several provinces, while significant rainfall is forecast for parts of the Eastern Cape.
Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant and monitor updates from SAWS as the weather system moves eastwards.
Authorities are also advising motorists and communities to exercise caution in areas affected by heavy rain, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions.