A cold front is forecast to impact South Africa's western and central regions from Saturday, May 9, through Sunday, May 10. This weather system is expected to bring significant changes across various parts of the country. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for damaging winds and waves, valid from May 10 to May 12, 2026, affecting parts of the Western and Northern Cape. Wet, windy, and colder weather is anticipated in the Western and Northern Cape provinces on Sunday. Strong coastal winds and rough seas are currently developing along the affected areas, prompting the severe weather alert from SAWS. This Orange Level 6 warning notes the potential for significant disruption and danger, particularly along the coast.
Weather Forecast Details
Saturday's forecast indicates varying temperatures across South Africa's major cities. Pretoria is expected to see temperatures ranging from 21°C down to 6°C, while Johannesburg will experience a high of 18°C and a low of 3°C. In the Western Cape, Cape Town is forecast for 20°C dropping to 13°C. Along the eastern coast, Durban anticipates warmer weather with 24°C and a low of 17°C.
Further inland, Bloemfontein is predicted to have a maximum of 17°C and a minimum of 2°C. Polokwane, in the north, will reach 22°C and cool to 6°C. Upington, in the Northern Cape, is forecast for 22°C and a low of 7°C. The Eastern Cape coastal cities of Gqeberha and East London will see highs of 20°C and 22°C respectively, both with lows of 13°C. These temperatures reflect the conditions before the full impact of the cold front is felt across all regions.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Pretoria's temperatures are expected to rise to 25°C, with a low of 10°C. Johannesburg will also see an increase, reaching 21°C and a minimum of 9°C. Durban is forecast for a significantly warmer Sunday, with temperatures reaching a high of 31°C and a low of 18°C. Cape Town, however, is forecast for a cooler Sunday, with temperatures dropping to a high of 15°C and a low of 11°C, reflecting the incoming cold front's impact on the region.
Potential Impacts and Warnings
Dangerous sea conditions, difficult travel, and damage to infrastructure and vegetation are among the potential impacts of the severe weather warning. Localised disruptions are also anticipated in coastal communities. Scattered rain and showers are expected to spread across western areas on Sunday, contributing to the colder conditions. Cape Town's temperature is forecast to cool dramatically from 20°C on Saturday to 15°C on Sunday, a noticeable shift due to the frontal system. Upington will also experience a noticeable drop in temperatures, with Sunday's forecast showing a high of 16°C and a low of 9°C, down from Saturday's 22°C high. Bloemfontein is predicted to reach 19°C with a low of 5°C on Sunday, while Gqeberha will see temperatures of 20°C and 13°C respectively.
Broader Weather Context
Severe weather previously wreaked havoc on the Garden Route. The 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K was cancelled due to the severe weather conditions, noting the potential for significant event disruption. While the western and central parts of the country brace for colder conditions, warm conditions are persisting over north-eastern parts of the country, with temperatures in these areas potentially exceeding 30°C. This stark contrast in weather patterns shows the diverse climate of South Africa. On Sunday, Polokwane is forecast to reach 26°C with a low of 10°C, a slight increase from Saturday. East London will experience Sunday temperatures of 25°C and a low of 13°C, maintaining a warmer profile than the affected western regions. Residents in all affected areas are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions.
