Yellow Level 4 warnings issued for Western and Northern Cape

A powerful cut-off low will bring very cold, wet and windy conditions to parts of the Western and Northern Cape from Thursday into Friday.

The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall over the Overberg and Garden Route in the Western Cape on Thursday.

Heavy rain could flood roads and settlements and cause major disruptions to traffic.

Yellow Level 4 warning: Damaging winds

A separate Yellow Level 4 warning covers the Namakwa District Municipality in the Northern Cape, as well as parts of the Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Little Karoo in the Western Cape.

The warning takes effect on Thursday afternoon and continues into Friday.

Strong winds could damage temporary structures and settlements, while flying debris could cause injuries and pose a danger to life. The conditions could also affect transport routes and travel services.

Dangerous coastal conditions

The weather service has also issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for damaging winds and waves between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay from Thursday.

The conditions could disrupt ports and harbours and create dangerous conditions for vessels at sea.

Extremely high fire danger conditions will affect parts of the eastern Northern Cape and south-eastern Free State.

Residents should take extra care to prevent activities from sparking veld fires.

Cut-off low to bring severe weather

An intense cut-off low will affect the Western and Northern Cape from Thursday, 3 September, into Friday, 4 September 2026.

The system could bring very cold, wet and windy weather, disruptive rainfall, damaging interior winds and dangerous coastal winds and waves.

The public and small-stock farmers should prepare for the difficult weather conditions.