SA Weather Service Issues Warning for Damaging Winds, Coastal Waves and Sub-Zero Temperatures from Tuesday to Saturday
Weather Alert: South Africans in the Western Cape and Northern Cape are urged to prepare for a turbulent week ahead, as the SA Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a severe weather alert starting Tuesday, 18 June 2025, and expected to persist until Saturday, 22 June 2025. Damaging winds, rough seas, and plummeting temperatures are on the forecast.
Damaging Winds to Begin Tuesday
According to SAWS, a cold front slipping south of the country on Tuesday will bring north-westerly to westerly winds reaching 35–55 km/h, with gusts up to 75 km/h. These gusts will be most intense from Cape Point to Plettenberg Bay starting Tuesday evening and continuing into Wednesday.
Potential impacts include:
- Navigation difficulties at sea
- Risk to small vessels and personal watercraft
- Temporary disruption to harbours and beachfront activities
High Waves & Dangerous Sea Conditions
From Tuesday to Thursday, residents and seafarers along the Western Cape coastline (Saldanha Bay to Plettenberg Bay) should expect dangerously high waves:
- Wave heights of 4.0m to 5.5m, peaking on Wednesday
- Westerly to south-westerly swells
This could lead to:
- Difficulty navigating coastal waters
- Disruption to port and harbour operations
- Increased risk of capsizing for small boats
- Beach closures and restrictions on recreational water activities
Very Cold Conditions: Prepare for a Winter Punch
The chill sets in properly from Wednesday through Saturday, with daytime temperatures expected to plummet to 10°C and below across the interior of the Western Cape and Namakwa District.
Another cold front by Thursday evening will reinforce the icy grip, with temperatures likely to remain bitterly cold through Saturday.
Communities are urged to:
- Dress warmly, especially children and the elderly
- Limit outdoor exposure
- Check on vulnerable individuals
- Prepare for possible energy surges as heating usage spikes
Public Safety & Preparedness
SAWS encourages residents and visitors in the affected provinces to:
- Stay updated via official SAWS channels
- Avoid unnecessary sea travel or water-based recreation
- Secure loose outdoor items that may be blown by strong winds
- Drive cautiously in poor weather conditions
Areas Affected:
- Western Cape (Coastal regions and interior)
- Northern Cape (Namaqua District)
Final Word
This is not your average winter chill – it’s a full-blown Cape cold snap. With the double whammy of strong winds and freezing weather, it’s best to stay indoors, stay warm, and stay informed. Whether you’re a local or a traveller, be weather-wise and alert.
Also read: Today’s Weather Forecast – 17 June 2025
