South Africa braces for a weekend of severe weather as cold front approaches

South Africans can expect a sharp shift in weather conditions this weekend as a cold front moves across the country, bringing rain, strong winds and colder temperatures, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

The warning comes after the departure of a recent cut-off low-pressure system, with SAWS now focusing on a powerful cold front expected to affect the western and central parts of the country from Saturday into Sunday, May 9 and May 10.

The severe weather wreaked havoc on the Garden Route and resulted in the cancellation of the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K. 

SAWS has also issued an Orange Level 6 warning for damaging winds and waves affecting parts of the Western and Northern Cape from May 10 to 12.

Saturday temperatures in major cities

Pretoria: 21°C / 6°C

Johannesburg: 18°C / 3°C

Cape Town: 20°C / 13°C

Durban: 24°C / 17°C

Bloemfontein: 17°C / 2°C

Polokwane: 22°C / 6°C

Upington: 22°C / 7°C

Gqeberha: 20°C / 13°C

East London: 22°C / 13°C

Conditions

South Africans can expect fine and cold to cool across much of the country 

Partly cloudy conditions are expected along coastal areas, and isolated coastal showers are possible.

Residents are warned that there will be very cold mornings inland, especially in Gauteng and the Free State

Sunday weather temperatures in major cities

Pretoria: 25°C / 10°C

Johannesburg: 21°C / 9°C

Cape Town: 15°C / 11°C

Durban: 31°C / 18°C

Bloemfontein: 19°C / 5°C

Polokwane: 26°C / 10°C

Upington: 16°C / 9°C

Gqeberha: 20°C / 13°C

East London: 25°C / 13°C

Conditions

Wet, windy and colder weather is expected in the Western and Northern Cape.

Scattered rain and showers spreading across western areas, with strong coastal winds and rough seas developing. Warm conditions persisting over north-eastern parts of the country

Cape Town is expected to cool dramatically from 20°C on Saturday to just 15°C on Sunday, while Upington will also see a noticeable drop in temperatures.

Warnings in place

Orange Level 6 Warning

Damaging winds and waves

Affected areas: Western & Northern Cape

Validity: 10–12 May 2026

Potential impacts include dangerous sea conditions, difficult travel conditions, damage to infrastructure and vegetation and localised disruptions in coastal communities.

This weekend marks another strong autumn cold front sweeping across South Africa, bringing a stark contrast between the cold, stormy west and the warm north-east, where temperatures could still exceed 30°C.

IOL