The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning as a significant cold front sweeps across the country, bringing plunging temperatures, strong winds, and widespread rainfall.
KwaZulu-Natal residents can expect gusty winds of up to 40km/h and a 60% chance of rain in Durban and surrounding inland areas. Coastal and mountainous regions, particularly the Drakensberg highlands, may experience heavy downpours, icy temperatures, and even light snowfall at higher elevations.
Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela from SAWS says the front is expected to cause "damaging winds and waves" along the south coast, with potentially disruptive rain around the south-western coastal belt.
“In the Western Cape, cloudy skies and cold conditions will dominate, with a 30% chance of showers that could become scattered to widespread in the south-west. Gauteng will see similar cold conditions, with a 30% chance of rain—more concentrated over the southern parts of the province,” Thobela explained.
KwaZulu-Natal is also bracing for damaging winds and possible showers, though forecasters do not anticipate major flooding.
Authorities are urging residents across affected provinces to prepare for the cold snap and take necessary precautions.