The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for a powerful cold front expected to affect parts of the country over the Women's Day long weekend, from Saturday 8 August to Monday 10 August 2026. The front will bring widespread rain, strong winds, rough seas, and snowfall to several provinces.
According to SAWS, the cold front will make landfall on Saturday, bringing significant rainfall to the Western Cape and the southern parts of the Northern Cape. By Sunday, the system is expected to move eastward, affecting the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the southern interior, with heavy downpours possible in some areas.
Snowfall is forecast for the high-lying areas of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and the Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu-Natal. The weather service has warned of potential road closures and hazardous driving conditions on mountain passes, including the N1 and N3 corridors.
Strong winds are expected along the coast, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h in some areas, leading to rough seas and possible disruption to small vessels. SAWS advises the public to stay updated with official warnings and to avoid unnecessary travel in affected regions.
The cold front is expected to clear by Tuesday, with cooler, drier conditions returning. However, residents in affected areas are urged to take precautions, especially those in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
