South Africans planning to travel or attend Women’s Day events this long weekend are being urged to prepare for cold, wet and windy weather, with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasting difficult conditions across several parts of the country.
According to a SAWS weather advisory, acold front and associated upper-air trough are expected to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday, 9 August 2026, coinciding with Women’s Day.
The system is expected to bring cold to very cold temperatures, rain, strong winds and rough seas, with snowfall possible over mountainous areas. The weather system will then move eastwards towards the Eastern Cape.
On Monday, 10 August, the upper-air trough is expected to deepen as it moves across the central and eastern parts of the country. This will result in further cold to very cold conditions, accompanied by rain and showers inland.
Scattered to widespread rain and showers are also expected over southern parts of the country, while snow is forecast over mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Communities urged to take precautions
SAWS has identified several potential impacts associated with the weather system, including localised flooding in low-lying areas, roads, bridges and informal settlements as a result of persistent rainfall.
Strong and potentially damaging winds could also cause fallen trees, damage to roofs and infrastructure, power interruptions and hazardous driving conditions.
Along the coastline, damaging waves and rough seas could pose risks to maritime activities and coastal infrastructure.
The extremely cold conditions could also increase the risk of exposure among vulnerable communities and place additional stress on livestock.
Motorists travelling through mountainous areas are being urged to exercise caution, as snowfall could make mountain passes dangerous, potentially resulting in road closures and transport disruptions.
SAWS is encouraging members of the public, motorists, farmers and disaster management authorities to remain alert and follow official weather updates and warnings as the system moves across the country.
Travellers are advised to check weather and road conditions before setting out and to take the necessary precautions, particularly in areas affected by heavy rain, strong winds or snowfall.
