South Africans should brace for a cold and blustery weekend as a deep low-pressure system sweeps across the country, bringing widespread winter weather. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds and waves in parts of the Eastern Cape, with significant disruptions expected from Friday through to Tuesday.

On Saturday, most provinces will experience cold to cool conditions under fine to partly cloudy skies. The southern coast, particularly around George and Plettenberg Bay, is forecast to receive isolated rainfall, with a 30% chance of showers. Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape coastline will be battered by strong to gale-force winds, with offshore gusts reaching between 80 and 100 km/h.

These conditions are linked to a deep low-pressure system moving south of the country, which is expected to generate rough seas and large waves — some reaching up to eight metres. SAWS has warned that the system poses risks to small vessels, high-sided vehicles on exposed routes, and temporary structures along the coastline.

The disruptive weather is set to continue into Sunday, 22 June. In Limpopo, towns like Polokwane and Phalaborwa may see brief morning showers as the cold air mass advances into the interior. The Western Cape is also likely to see light rainfall, with a 30% chance of precipitation in the Overberg and Garden Route regions. Inland towns such as Sutherland and Worcester will remain cold, with fog patches and gusty winds adding to the discomfort.

Coastal communities in both the Eastern and Western Cape are urged to exercise caution, particularly near shorelines where strong winds and rough seas could make travel dangerous. SAWS’ Yellow Level 2 warning highlights potential hazards including difficult navigation at sea, localised port and harbour disruptions, threats to beachgoers, and damage to trees and temporary structures. Areas most at risk include Nelson Mandela Bay, Kouga, and coastal municipalities stretching from Cannon Rocks to East London.

While the interior remains largely dry, cities such as Johannesburg and Bloemfontein will experience chilly temperatures. Coastal cities like Durban may be affected by strong breezes pushing inland from the coastline.

As South Africa enters the depths of winter, SAWS continues to emphasise the importance of paying attention to weather alerts and preparing accordingly for potential disruptions.