Western Cape Disaster Management on High Alert for Very Cold Weekend
The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre is putting measures in place to deal with what is predicted to be a very cold weekend in the Western Cape. An intense cut-off low weather system is making landfall this evening, and heavy rains, strong coastal winds, together with very low temperatures and snow over high lying areas, are expected, Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said today.
The South African Weather Services issued several advisories for the weekend, including the possibility of rainfall of between 50mm and 70mm in the Overstrand and Garden Route Districts. “The Department of Water and Sanitation assured us that their offices are on high alert to monitor the already full dams in the province, and they, together with SA Weather Services will coordinate closely with our various district disaster management centres,” Minister Bredell said.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, people should rather postpone plans for outdoor activities this weekend. Measures from the Centre includes the reviewing of all hiking trails in the province, with the objective to close those which are deemed too risky considering the expected weather conditions.
“We are also advising people to rather postpone plans to do coastal angling or going out on small boats this weekend. Waves of between 5m and 8m are predicted along the southern coastline, and waves of between 4m and 6m are expected along the west coast. This, together with strong to gale-force southerly to south-westerly winds, means our small harbours can expect to face the full brunt of the stormy weather,” Minister Bredell said.
The Centre said snowfall over high lying areas could lead to the closure of mountain passes, and this could be disruptive in terms of traffic. “We are asking the public to rather spend this weekend indoors. In this manner we can reserve our rescue services for serious emergencies when they do occur,” Minister Bredell said.
Related News
Picking a wildflower? Everyday choices can amount to biodiversity crime in Protected Areas
Biodiversity crime is often associated with poaching or illegal wildlife trafficking, but some of the most common offences threatening the Western Cape's environment stem from the everyday actions of ordinary visitors to Protected Areas. Entering Protected Areas without a valid permit, fishing without the required licence, leaving designated hiking trails, picking wildflowers, removing rocks or shells as souvenirs, or disturbing wildlife may seem harmless, but
CapeNature Cubs Club celebrates Kai's second birthday with a day of fun, friendship and recognition
CapeNature's Cubs Club celebrated the second birthday of its beloved mascot, Kai the Leopard Cub, on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at Helderberg Nature Reserve, bringing together children, families, and partners for a day of fun and environmental celebration. The special occasion welcomed children from three orphanages – Goeie Hoop, Hope & Light, and Heartlands Baby Sanctuary – who were given the opportunity to join in the festivities and experience a day
World Seabird Day calls attention to public role in responding to ongoing avian influenza threat affecting birds
As the world marks World Seabird Day today, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to affect birds across South Africa, including seabirds along the Western Cape coastline. HPAI is a serious disease affecting birds and can result in significant mortality, particularly among wild bird populations. Members of the public are
CapeNature’s marine conservation work showcased in new kykNET adventure series ‘Hey Skipper’
The beauty, biodiversity and conservation value of the Western Cape’s coastline will be shown to audiences across South Africa when CapeNature features in the new primetime Afrikaans series, Hey Skipper, premiering on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 18:00. Produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser, Hey Skipper takes viewers on a journey across some of the world’s most
The perfect time for a family escape into nature
Winter in the Western Cape is often misunderstood. While many people think of it as a season best spent indoors, it is actually one of the most rewarding times to slow down, reconnect, and take a short break close to home. For domestic travellers, especially families planning around the school holidays, winter offers the ideal opportunity to step away from routine without the stress of long travel or high-season crowds. It is a chance to rediscover what is right on your doorstep.
Newly discovered species named after CapeNature Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan
A newly described Paradiplozoon species has been named after CapeNature Fauna Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, in recognition of her knowledge and passion for the aquatic life of the Cape Fold Ecoregion, continuous enthusiasm to study the region's fishes and understanding their parasitofauna. The newly identified species – Paradiplozoon jordaanae – is named after Dr Jordaan.