Weather Alert: Brace for a Cape of Storms to welcome spring

Don’t pack away those winter layers just yet, Cape Town! A cut-off low is expected to develop over South Africa’swestern interior on Thursday, September 3, bringing cold, wet and windy conditions to parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape through Friday, September 4. 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says high-lying areas could experience particularly cold conditions, with daytime maximum temperatures remaining below 10°C in places. 

For Cape Town, coastal conditions are a key concern. Gale-force winds could affect the south-western and southern coastline, while waves of approximately 4.5 to 5.5 metres could put coastal activities and infrastructure at risk

SAWS’s August 31 advisory includes the following yellow level 4 warnings:

• Disruptive rain: The Overberg and Garden Route districts on Thursday, September 3, with possible flooding of roads and settlements and major traffic disruption.
• Damaging winds: Parts of the Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Little Karoo, as well as the Northern Cape’sNamakwa district, from Thursday afternoon into Friday. Temporary structures and transport routes could be affected.
• Damaging coastal winds and waves: Between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Thursday and Friday, with possible disruption to ports and harbours and dangerous conditions at sea.

The rainfall warning specifically covers the Overberg and Garden Route, so anyone planning a trip beyond Cape Town should keep a close eye on conditions along their route. 

Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor objects, take care near the coast and never cross flooded roads, bridges or streams.  

Emergency Helpline Numbers:

• Community Medics*: 087 230 0404
• Community Intervention Centre: Trauma & Violence: HELPLINE: 082 821 3447
• Police Flying Squad 10111
• Ambulance: 10177
• City of Cape Town General Emergency: 107
• Cell Phone Emergency: 112  (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom)
• Government Emergency Services: 112
• Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions - 0860103089 or - sms 31373
• Electricity outages/disruptions - 0860103089 or - sms 31220
• Roads closures, delays on roadways and deviations - 0800656463
• CT Weather office - 021-9340749/- 021-9340831,
• Weatherline - 0831230500

Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!