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While Cape Town is heading into a picture-perfect autumn weekend, authorities are urging the public not to let the sunshine distract them from some very real coastal dangers further along the Garden Route.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) warns that Robberg beaches near Plettenberg Bay, where severe erosion has dramatically reshaped the shoreline, following last week's intense storms.
Large sections of beach have been washed away, leaving steep, unstable sand embankments and very little space between the dunes and the ocean. Combined with new moon spring tides, which raise sea levels to higher-than-normal levels, conditions have become particularly hazardous.
The NSRI has warned that:
- Incoming tides can quickly trap walkers against the dunes
- Sand embankments may collapse without warning
- Escape routes along the beach are extremely limited
In fact, rescue teams were already called out this week after a person and their dogs became stranded by a fast-rising tide.
What about Cape Town this weekend?
Closer to home, the outlook is far more inviting. According to climatologist weatherman Pete, the South Western Cape is clearing rapidly after days of heavy rain and damaging winds, which saw up to 300mm of rainfall and gusts of 100km/h in some areas.
"On a positive note, the dam levels are surging up to over 65%."
For Saturday, 16 May, Cape Town can expect mostly sunny skies, temperature high of around 20°C, light to moderate southerly winds, with no rain expected.
Sunday remains sunny, although winds are set to pick up, which may affect surf conditions around Muizenberg.
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"The high-pressure system that had given way to the frontal systems earlier, has shifted around the Cape and the air is circulating anticlockwise around the centre. Southerly and south-easterly winds will dominate. Temperatures remain in the low 20s, and the wind is expected to pick up on Sunday. This may suppress the Muizenberg surf conditions," he added.
"Another worthwhile activity will be to clear your gutters and drains from the recent storm and prepare for the next rain (expected around the end of the month). But try to enjoy the sun and absorb some Vitamin D if you can!"
Storm impact still being felt
Even though the skies are clear, the impact of the recent storm is still being felt across the Western Cape. Storm recovery efforts are ongoing across Table Mountain National Park, with several trails still closed following recent severe weather.
Closed / Restricted:
- Riverwalk trail (Silvermine Gate 1 to the dam)
- Elephant’s Eye trail
- Tokai Arboretum (blocked by debris and unstable branches)
- Parts of Silvermine (partial access due to infrastructure damage and repairs)
Open:
- Newlands hiking trails
- Cecilia Forest
- Constantia Nek
- Most surrounding areas within Tokai and Table Mountain National Park (with caution advised)
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It’s a great weekend for markets, hikes, and outdoor plans in Cape Town- but if you’re heading to the coast, especially beyond the city, stay alert.
"We appeal to all beachgoers, hikers, dog walkers, and visitors to avoid unnecessary risks and to remain well clear of unstable dune edges and areas affected by erosion," added the NSRI.
Check tide times, avoid unstable dunes, and don’t underestimate how quickly conditions can change - even on a sunny day.
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