As new severe cold front approaches, experts urge vigilance as SA's deadly winter deepens

As a new cold front makes landfall in the Western Cape today, a more severe system is set to follow this weekend in the province and move to the Eastern Cape and Gauteng, bringing disruptive rain and very cold conditions across several provinces. 

This comes amid a particularly deadly winter season, with nine people dead in KwaZulu-Natal due to winter season-related incidents over the past weekend.

The South African Weather Service (Saws) anticipates the incoming cold front to bring disruptive rain to the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng from 3 to 6 July 2o25. High-lying areas of the Eastern Cape may also experience snow. 

This follows a cold front that made landfall today, bringing a 30 to 60% general chance of showers and rain to the Western Cape.

Saws spokesperson Lehlohonolo Thobela indicated that while a cold front arrived on Wednesday in the Western Cape with a 30 to 60% chance of rain, the one expected from 3 and 4 July 2025 would be more severe, bringing “disruptive rain over the western parts of the Western Cape”. 

Cold temperatures are expected, with a possibility of snow over the high-lying areas of the Western Cape, and more significant snow is expected over the Drakensberg mountains in the Eastern Cape, into KZN. 

The cold front is expected to move east, with a 30% chance of showers and rain over Gauteng on Friday morning, accompanied by colder conditions. This will mainly be in the morning. 

By Thursday, there is a 60% chance of showers and rain in the Eastern Cape, with continued very cold conditions along the west coast of the Western Cape and the central interior of the southwestern parts. 

On Friday, this 60% chance of showers and rain will land in Gauteng, Free State, and KZN.

Yellow level 4 warning: Disruptive rain
Affected area: Western Cape (western parts)
Validity period: 3 - 6 July 2025#saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/6tYnWMN3vQ

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 2, 2025

Another cold front is expected to reach the Western Cape on Saturday, with widespread precipitation across the central and eastern parts of the country. Cold temperatures are also expected on Sunday, especially in the southern parts of the country.

Thobela said the likely impacts of this cold front included very cold conditions, disruptive rain leading to localised flooding over the southwestern parts, and damaging winds over the central parts of the Northern Cape, which could affect informal and formal structures. 

Thobela said it was important for people to keep warm and, especially for farmers, to protect their livestock during this time.

City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson Sonica Lategan said they would once again coordinate the City’s response to any impacts brought about by the weather. 

This comes after severe flooding and infrastructure damage hit the city just last week.

Read more: Winter storm batters Western Cape — community underwater, thousands affected

Read more: Widespread floods hit Cape Town after Western Cape cold front, snow forecast for Eastern Cape

“We have also alerted our NGO partners, who will provide humanitarian assistance where needed. We ask that residents please address any issues on their properties to mitigate the risk of localised flooding. Also, please log service requests for any City-related services so that these can be assigned to the relevant departments,” Lategan said in a statement.

A deadly winter for South Africa

The severity of the winter season has tragically been seen with recent events in not only the Eastern Cape, where the death toll of the June flooding has now risen to 102, but also in KZN, where nine lives were lost this past weekend due to winter season-related incidents.

On Monday, provincial government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said the current death toll was 102 across the Eastern Cape. The OR Tambo district municipality remained the hardest hit, accounting for 78 fatalities. 

Rantjie confirmed that 56 flood victims had been buried, and search efforts for more bodies were ongoing. 

Of the 102 bodies recovered, 96 have been identified and handed over to families, while six remain unidentified. Due to the passage of time, DNA tests may be required for the identification of decomposed bodies, potentially prolonging the identification process. 

“Among the deceased are 32 pupils, with a demographic breakdown of 49 men and 53 women, and 63 adults and 39 children,” said Rantjie.

The search and recovery teams were continuing the search. Rantjie said they had been working tirelessly to locate and recover any possible remaining bodies. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters have also been deployed to support the search and recovery efforts, and this coordinated aerial support aims to intensify the search for more victims, including two children who are still missing.

In KZN, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, on Wednesday warned that nine people had died over the weekend due to winter-related incidents. 

Seven men, aged 17 to 50, are suspected to have died from smoke inhalation in Pietermaritzburg after lighting a brazier (imbawula) for warmth. 

In a separate incident in eThekwini, two people died in an informal settlement fire that destroyed 13 structures. 

Buthelezi has urged communities to exercise extreme caution when using heating appliances, and to ensure that children are not left unattended near heat sources.

Tips and ways to help others

While the current cold fronts are in line with the seasonal expectations according to Saws, these impacts show the need for more vigilance, safety and mitigation measures. 

It is crucial to take steps to keep warm and support those most affected, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and people living in informal settlements. Below are some tips and ways to help others during this period.

How to keep warm at home

• Wear multiple layers of clothing, including thermal wear, jerseys, gloves, scarves, and hats to trap heat and prevent heat loss through the extremities.
• Use towels or draft stoppers to block gaps under doors and around windows. Insulate windows with bubble wrap or plastic to keep cold air out.
• Limit outdoor activities during severe cold, heavy rain, or snow. If you must go out, wear waterproof and windproof outer layers.
• Take care of heat sources and do not leave them unattended, to prevent fires. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.
• Prepare for possible power outages or road closures by keeping non-perishable food, bottled water, and batteries on hand.

How to help others affected by the cold

• Regularly contact elderly neighbours, people with health conditions, or those living alone to ensure they are safe and warm.
• Donate blankets, warm clothing, and food to local charities or organisations running winter drives for the homeless and disadvantaged. Even a single blanket can make a significant difference for someone exposed to harsh winter conditions.
• If safe, help distribute warm items like beanies, gloves, and sandbags to families in need, especially in informal settlements or flood-affected areas.

Safety precautions during cold fronts

• Stay informed through official Saws weather updates and heed warnings about hazardous conditions, such as flooding, strong winds, or snow.
• Roads may be slippery or flooded. Reduce speed, avoid unnecessary travel, and do not attempt to cross flooded roads.
• Have torches, candles, and extra blankets ready in case of load shedding or power outages.

General flood prevention mitigation tips for this period 

• Do not build in low-lying areas, near water bodies or roads.
• Raise the floor above ground level using wood or stilts.
• Use cement floors rather than wooden or sand floors.
• Make sure the roof and outer walls are rainproof.
• Use metal sheeting, sandbags, or dig trenches to divert or hold back water.
• Keep stormwater drains clear.

In Cape Town, requests for City services should be made via their online platforms or the Customer call centre at 0860 103 089.

Emergency incidents should be directed to the Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700.

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre is coordinating responses and has alerted NGO partners for humanitarian assistance. 

The City is also requesting donations of clothing, non-perishable food items, and personal hygiene items at various fire stations to support those affected. 

The City’s donation drop-off points are at the Constantia, Goodwood, Hout Bay, Lakeside, Roeland Street, Strand and Wynberg fire stations. Donors can also email Disaster.Donations@capetown.gov.za for collection. DM

​​For real-time updates, follow Saws on X (@SAWeatherServic) and Facebook (South African Weather Service) or visit www.weathersa.co.za

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