Severe storm warning for South Africa

South Africans are being warned to brace for an intense spell of winter weather. From this weekend (7 June), severe storms and snowfall are expected across nearly the entire country. 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning about a powerful Cut-Off Low (COL) system that is forecast to bring extreme conditions to every province except Limpopo, starting Saturday, 7 June 2025.

According to SAWS, the system will initially impact the Western and Northern Cape before sweeping eastward across the country early next week. 

By Monday and Tuesday, it will be affecting the central and eastern provinces, bringing a dramatic drop in temperatures and a range of hazardous weather events.

Daytime temperatures are expected to plunge significantly, struggling to rise above 10°C in many areas, with icy winds intensifying the chill.

Snowfalls are anticipated in nearly every province, sparing only Limpopo, with some areas likely to experience disruptive accumulations. 

These snowy conditions are expected to affect major routes, including the N3 highway at Van Reenen’s Pass, potentially leading to road closures or hazardous driving conditions on Monday and Tuesday. 

Farmers with small livestock are urged to take protective measures as the cold and wind seriously threaten animal welfare.

The storm system is also expected to generate strong and damaging winds over large parts of the interior starting Sunday. 

These winds could trigger wildfires, especially in the central and eastern regions, ahead of the arrival of colder air.

Along the coasts, gale-force winds and rough seas will develop from Friday on the south-west coast, moving along the southern and eastern shores through the weekend and continuing until at least Tuesday.

Heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of the Eastern Cape coast and nearby inland areas on Sunday, raising the risk of localised flooding and damage to infrastructure. On Monday, the rain is expected to shift toward southern KwaZulu-Natal. 

In addition, severe thunderstorms are likely on Monday and Tuesday in provinces such as North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, possibly bringing hail and damaging winds.

Be prepared 

These severe conditions are expected to persist in the eastern parts of the country until at least Wednesday. 

SAWS has warned the public to prepare for prolonged exposure to bitterly cold weather, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions in many areas.

Karen Rimmer, Head of Distribution at PSG Insure, has previously cautioned homeowners to take immediate steps to secure their properties. 

She stressed the importance of outdoor maintenance, highlighting that loose furniture, poorly maintained structures, or neglected items can become hazardous during high winds or storms. 

Homeowners should check that outdoor items are properly fastened and that features like awnings or sheds are in good repair.

Rimmer also advised trimming back dead plants, branches, and shrubs to reduce the risk of fires, especially during storms when lightning or electrical faults can ignite dry materials. 

With winds capable of fanning even small embers, such fire hazards should not be overlooked.

On the financial side, Rimmer recommended that homeowners review their insurance policies to ensure that their coverage accurately reflects the current replacement value of their property. 

This includes accounting for any special features, finishes, or custom-built elements that may require higher-value coverage in the event of damage.