The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning of a significant change in weather conditions, with extreme cold, rain, strong winds and snowfall expected to affect parts of the country this week.
Forecasters say conditions will begin deteriorating from Tuesday as a cold front moves across the country, bringing widespread rainfall and a sharp drop in temperatures.
Snowfall is expected from Wednesday in parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape, while other regions could experience cold, wet and windy conditions.
Authorities have urged residents to stay informed by monitoring official weather updates and to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the adverse weather.
SAWS forecaster Celeste Fourie said the cold front is expected to move eastward, affecting the Eastern Cape by Tuesday.
"It will move into the Eastern Cape by Tuesday. Together with this cold front, we are expecting isolated showers and rainfall to develop along the southwestern and southern coastline early on Tuesday morning," Fourie explained.
She said the rainfall is expected to persist through Wednesday afternoon along the eastern coastline and could continue into Thursday in some areas.
In addition to the rain and cold conditions, isolated thunderstorms are forecast over parts of the country's central interior.
The weather service has advised motorists, farmers and communities in affected areas to remain vigilant as the system moves across the country, bringing potentially hazardous weather conditions.
Further updates and warnings will be issued as the situation develops.