Weather Update: Damaging Coastal Waves and Forecast for South Africa
As South Africa faces a dynamic weather pattern on Friday, 30 May 2025, residents along the coast and inland provinces should heed important weather warnings and updates issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS). This is a comprehensive overview of the current weather risks, including damaging coastal waves, cold conditions, and regional weather impacts.
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Coastal Warnings: Damaging Waves and Navigation Hazards
A Yellow Level 2 warning remains in effect for damaging waves along the South African coastline, specifically between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas extending eastwards to Plettenberg Bay. These rough seas are expected to persist until Sunday, 1 June 2025. The high waves pose significant difficulties for maritime navigation, threatening small vessels and coastal infrastructure. Authorities strongly advise caution for all sea users and beachgoers in the affected areas.
Provincial Weather Updates and Warnings
Western Cape and Northern Cape
The Western Cape will experience partly cloudy, cool to cold conditions with light morning rain in western parts, clearing by evening along the south coast. Morning fog is expected along the Northern Cape coast and adjacent interior, with cold to cool temperatures prevailing. Strong north-westerly winds continue to impact these provinces, contributing to the rough seas, coastal waves and potential travel disruptions.
Eastern Cape
The western half of the Eastern Cape will see cloudy mornings with isolated showers along the coast, while the eastern half remains fine and cool to cold.
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, and Free State
Inland provinces such as Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, and Free State will enjoy generally fine and cool to warm weather. Gauteng will experience clear skies with a very high UVB sunburn index, urging residents to take sun protection measures. Mpumalanga and Limpopo will be warm to hot in low-lying areas like the Lowveld and Limpopo Valley, while North West and Free State remain cool and fine.
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal will have fine and cool conditions with some areas experiencing partly cloudy skies in the afternoon. The UVB sunburn index is high, so sun safety precautions are recommended.
Fire Danger and Other Hazards
Currently, there are no active fire danger warnings for Friday, 30 May 2025. However, extremely high fire danger conditions were recently noted in parts of the Northern Cape, Free State, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape due to dry and windy conditions. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant as conditions can change rapidly.
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Summary and Safety Advice
- Coastal residents and sea users should remain alert to the Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging coastal waves from Saldanha Bay to Plettenberg Bay until Sunday. Avoid unnecessary sea travel and secure coastal property.
- Inland provinces will experience mostly fine and cool to warm weather, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible in eastern regions.
- Sun protection is essential in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal due to high UVB levels.
- Travelers should prepare for gusty winds, especially along coastal and interior routes in the Western and Northern Cape.
- Stay updated with SAWS for any changes in weather conditions or additional warnings.
