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If you’ve been enjoying Cape Town’s brief flirtation with sunshine, consider this your official breakup notice. A powerful weather system is bearing down on the Western and Eastern Cape, bringing a cocktail of icy temperatures, lashing rain, gale-force winds, and a real risk of flooding.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple warnings, including an Orange Level 8 alert for parts of the Garden Route and Eastern Cape.
Known as a cut-off low-pressure system, it is expected to park over the region from Wednesday into Thursday, creating the perfect conditions for prolonged, intense rainfall.
Forecasters warn that some areas could see rainfall totals well above 100mm, with mountainous parts of the Garden Route potentially receiving 150mm to 200mm.
Certain schools closed
In response to the severe weather warning, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) issued a school closure notice for Eden and the Central Karoo districts for the next two days.
The WCED has taken a decision to close all schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District on 3 June & 4 June 2026, due to severe weather.
— WCEDNews (@WCEDnews) June 2, 2026
All schools in the other seven education districts will remain open.
For more info, visit https://t.co/IELSc8bO5S. pic.twitter.com/FHY8ujZiEt
Caution urged
Roads could flood. River crossings could become dangerous. Low-lying communities may be cut off. Authorities are particularly concerned because many catchment areas are already saturated after the storms that battered the Cape in May.
Dams are full, the ground is soaked, and there is little room left to absorb another deluge.
Meanwhile, strong coastal winds and rough seas are expected along large stretches of the Western and Eastern Cape coastline. Mariners have been warned of hazardous conditions, while coastal residents can expect a noisy couple of days as gusts rattle windows and bend trees.
The warnings extend beyond the Western Cape. Nelson Mandela Bay, Kouga, Koukamma, Buffalo City, and several surrounding municipalities might also be affected. Flooding, mudslides, and dangerous river conditions remain major concerns.
Social media weather trackers have been sounding the alarm all week, with forecasters describing the incoming system as one of the more significant winter weather events of the season so far.
@vox_weather_girls FLOOD WARNING SOUTH COAST | 2 June 2026 🌧️ A cold front is moving across the Western Cape today, bringing scattered showers to the southern Cape. ⚠️ But the bigger story starts Wednesday: a powerful cut-off low is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and very cold conditions across parts of the Western and Eastern Cape. 🚨 The highest warning is an Orange Level 8 for areas between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay, where dangerous flooding, mudslides, and damage to infrastructure are possible.
♬ original sound - The Weather Girls
Be prepared
The Cape is no stranger to winter storms. But this week’s system is a reminder that winter weather can shift quickly from atmospheric to dangerous. Charge devices. Avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall periods. Keep an eye on official weather updates.
Don’t underestimate moving water. Every winter, floodwaters catch motorists and pedestrians off guard, sometimes with tragic consequences. Stay safe out there!
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