SA Weather: Cold Front Slams the Cape, Gauteng and KZN Remain on Ice Alert

Weather Alert for 10 July 2025: Cold Front Makes Its Way Through South Africa

South Africa is experiencing a significant weather event as a cold front moves through the country on Thursday, 10 July 2025. This system is bringing cooler temperatures, wind, and rain to various provinces, prompting weather warnings and advisories. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as conditions evolve over the next few days.

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Cold Front Hits the Cape Provinces

A cold front has firmly settled over the Western and Northern Cape, bringing cold, wet, and windy weather that is expected to intensify on Friday, 11 July. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued advisories specifically for the southern parts of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, as well as the Witzenberg and Breede Valley municipalities in the Western Cape. These areas should brace for extreme cold, persistent rain, and strong winds.

Thursday’s weather in the Western Cape is characterised by partly cloudy skies with light rain in the extreme southwest, while the rest of the province remains cool and fine. The Northern Cape will experience windy and cool conditions, signalling the cold front’s impact.

Gauteng and KZN: Cold and Stormy Conditions Persist

While the Cape battles the cold front, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are under a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms expected from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. These storms are forecast to bring heavy rainfall, damaging winds, small hail, excessive lightning, and the risk of localised flooding.

Gauteng residents should prepare for cool to cold weather today, with fine conditions but fresh winds expected. However, thunderstorms and disruptive rain are likely to develop from midday Friday, continuing into the evening. This weather pattern is similar for parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, which are also under yellow warnings for scattered storms and heavy rainfall.

KwaZulu-Natal will experience fine and cool to warm weather today, but scattered showers and severe thunderstorms are forecast for the western and southern parts of the province starting Friday. The weather service warns of potential damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and livestock, alongside risks to life from lightning and flooding.

Provincial Weather Updates and Alerts

Gauteng:

Residents can expect fine, cool to cold weather with fresh winds. The UVB sunburn index remains high, so sun protection is advised despite the cooler temperatures.

KwaZulu-Natal:

The province will experience fine conditions with cool to warm temperatures. However, the UVB sunburn index is extreme, and residents should limit prolonged sun exposure. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for parts of KwaZulu-Natal from Friday, with yellow level 2 warnings issued for severe thunderstorms that may bring hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

Western Cape:

Partly cloudy and cold conditions dominate the southwest, with light rain expected in the extreme southwestern parts. The cold front will bring wet and windy weather on Friday, warranting caution for outdoor activities and farming.

Northern Cape:

Thursday will be fine, windy, and cool. The cold front will bring very cold, wet, and windy weather on Friday in the southern Namakwa District. Fire danger is currently low, but the weather shift demands preparedness.

Eastern Cape:

The western half will see fine and cool weather with coastal mist early in the day. The eastern half will experience fine and cool conditions, with colder temperatures in high-lying areas.

Free State:

Residents can expect fine, cool to cold weather, becoming windy over the Xhariep district. Thunderstorms are forecast for Friday afternoon, with yellow level 2 warnings in place for severe weather in parts of the province.

Mpumalanga:

Fine and cool to cold conditions prevail. Severe thunderstorms are expected from midday Friday, especially in the southwestern parts, with potential for heavy rain and damaging winds.

Limpopo:

Generally fine and cool, though warmer in the Lowveld. Severe thunderstorms are forecast for Friday, excluding the northern and extreme southwestern parts, with warnings issued for possible localised flooding and lightning hazards.

North West:

Fine and cool weather is expected, with some cloud cover in the east early in the day. Severe thunderstorms are also forecast for Friday afternoon, with yellow level 2 warnings in place.

Additional Weather Hazards and Precautions

• Thunderstorms: Severe thunderstorms are expected in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Free State, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal from Friday afternoon into Saturday evening. These may include hail, lightning, heavy downpours, and damaging winds, leading to localised flooding and infrastructure damage.
• Wind: Fresh to strong winds will affect coastal areas, particularly in the Western Cape and Northern Cape, increasing the risk of rough seas and challenging conditions for small vessels.
• Fire Danger: Currently, fire danger levels are low, but residents should remain alert as changing weather conditions could alter risk levels rapidly.
• UV Exposure: Despite the cold front, UVB sunburn levels remain high to extreme in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and limiting sun exposure are recommended.

What Residents Should Do

• Stay Updated: Follow regular updates from the South African Weather Service and local authorities for the latest warnings and advisories.
• Prepare for Cold and Wet Weather: Especially in southern provinces, ensure adequate heating and shelter for vulnerable groups and livestock.
• Exercise Caution During Storms: Avoid unnecessary travel during severe thunderstorms and stay indoors during lightning events.
• Protect Against UV Exposure: Use sun protection even on cool days, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Have A Lovely Day

The cold front moving through South Africa on 10 July 2025 brings a mix of cool, wet, and windy conditions, with more severe weather expected from Friday onwards. While Thursday remains mostly fine and cool, residents in affected provinces should prepare for the cold front’s impact, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain.

Staying informed and heeding weather warnings will help minimise risks during this period.