Snow and icy conditions for Western, Northern Cape | News24

A vineyard covered in snow on the Bo-Swaarmoed Pass near Ceres on 8 July 2024. (Rodger Bosch / AFP)

• Another cold front has brought very cold conditions to the Western and Northern Cape.
• Snowfall is expected in parts of both provinces.
• Rough seas have also been forecast for areas along the coastline.

Snow in high-lying areas of the Western and Northern Cape is likely on Monday, following yet another cold front.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an advisory on the very cold, wet, and windy conditions in both provinces.

“Very cold conditions where day-time temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius are expected in places. Windy conditions, with very cold and wet weather may lead to possible risks for vulnerable livestock and pets,” the SAWS said.

“Snowfalls are likely over the Western Cape mountains and southern parts of Namakwa in the Northern Cape,” it added.

It warned that temperatures may feel colder than the measured values.

The Western, Northern and Eastern Cape were affected by a significant cold front over the weekend.

READ | More weather woes as light snow is expected in parts of Western and Eastern Cape

Western Cape chief director of disaster management, Colin Deiner, said the province’s Disaster Management Centre had received warnings from the South African Weather Service for very cold conditions.

He said authorities were on high alert for any weather-related incidents.

But he added: “No significant incidents were received by the district and city disaster management centres over the weekend,” he added.

In addition, the SAWS issued a Level 2 weather warning for wind and waves in parts of the Northern and Western Cape.

On Monday, south-westerly swells with wave heights of between 4 and 5.5 metres are expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay. The SAWS said the wave conditions would persist into Tuesday between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay.

“Westerly to north-westerly winds (40 – 60km/h) are also expected between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay on Monday. The combined wind and wave conditions will result in rough and choppy seas.

The weather conditions could result in difficulty navigating at sea and cause disruptions at small harbours and ports.