South Africans are urged to get out their warmest winter attire, as a severe bout of inclement weather is poised to batter parts of the country on Thursday, 26 June 2025, bringing fierce winds, snowfall, and turbulent seas.
This follows the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issuing a series of warnings, urging residents in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape to prepare for widespread disruptions to infrastructure, transport, and agricultural activities.
The most intense conditions are expected to peak tomorrow, and may persist into Friday, 27 June 2025.
Looking at KwaZulu-Natal, the province is on high alert as two distinct weather warnings take effect from Thursday, 26 June 2025. Prompted by the passage of a cold front and a trailing high-pressure system, these warnings signal the threat of damaging winds across both the province’s interior and coastal regions.
Level 2 Warning:
A Yellow Level 2 warning is in place for the north-western interior of KZN.
Wind speeds are forecast to average 30 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 50 km/h. The following areas are likely to be affected:
- Newcastle
- Dannhauser
- Utrecht
- Vryheid
- Dundee
- Nquthu
- Bergville
- Msinga
- eDumbe
- Ladysmith
- Estcourt
As highlighted by SAWS, the anticipated impacts include:
- Damage to infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable formal and informal settlements
- Agricultural losses, including potential destruction of crops and damage to farm infrastructure
- Disruptions to transport networks, including roads, rail, and air travel, due to debris and reduced visibility
Level 1 Warning: Coastal Regions
Along the coast, a Yellow Level 1 warning is in effect from Thursday 10:00 to 23:59. Average wind speeds are expected to range between 30–50 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h in certain areas. The following districts are anticipated to be affected:
- uMgungundlovu District: Pietermaritzburg, Richmond
- uGu District: Port Shepstone, Scottburgh
- King Cetshwayo District: Richards Bay, Empangeni
- iLembe District: KwaDukuza, Mandeni
- eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: Durban and surrounding areas
Likely Consequences:
- Accumulation of sand on coastal roads, impairing visibility and road safety
- Disruptions to harbour and port operations, particularly at smaller facilities
- Heightened risks to marine and shoreline activities, with small vessels at risk of capsizing
In light of these weather warnings, SAWS has urged residents, farmers, and transport operators to exercise utmost caution, particularly during the early hours when winds are expected to be most severe.
Motorists are advised to avoid exposed routes or those with overhanging trees, while coastal users should refrain from unnecessary sea travel and beach activities.
While KZN braces for damaging winds, the Eastern Cape is already grappling with the brunt of a potent cold front that made landfall yesterday, 25 June. This weather system continues to sweep across the region, ushering in frigid conditions and disruptive snowfall, particularly in the province’s elevated areas.
Snowfall and Sub-zero Temperatures
As noted by SAWS, snowfalls of 1 to 5 cm are forecast for Thursday, 26 June 2025, over the northern high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, as the cold front departs and a surface high-pressure system strengthens in its wake. These conditions are expected to persist into Friday, 27 June.
Widespread Weather Warnings in Place
- 25–26 June: A Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds remains active, with an elevated risk of localised damage to infrastructure and runaway fires across Chris Hani DM, Joe Gqabi DM, Sarah Baartman DM, Raymond Mhlaba LM, and Amahlathi LM.
- 26 June: A Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds and waves is in effect between Plettenberg Bay and East London. Small vessels face significant navigational challenges and an increased risk of capsizing.
- 26 June: A Yellow Level 1 warning for disruptive snowfall applies to Senqu and Elundini LMs, where icy roads may cause traffic disruptions, and losses to livestock and crops are possible.
As this formidable weather system continues to unfold, SAWS advises residents and small stock farmers to remain vigilant. Cold to extremely cold conditions, strong winds, and wave heights reaching up to 6 metres are expected to impact parts of the Eastern Cape coastline through Thursday and into Friday.
Concluding, the severe weather sweeping through South Africa underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of nature’s unpredictability. Communities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape are encouraged to stay informed, prioritise safety, and support one another to mitigate the challenges posed by these harsh conditions. By heeding the warnings and taking proactive measures, residents can help safeguard lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure during this period.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Quinton Boucher
newcastillian.com
