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
Water Week: Protecting Our Most Precious Resource
Water is fundamental to life and essential to our daily wellbeing. While this may seem widely understood, it remains important to continually remind ourselves of the value of this finite resource. Although approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only about 2.5% of it is freshwater available to sustain ecosystems and human needs.
Western Cape adds over 81 000 hectares of new nature reserves in the past year
The Western Cape has added over 20 new nature reserves to its Protected Area network, securing more than 81 715 hectares of ecologically significant land for long-term conservation. Declared between April 2025 and March 2026, these new reserves strengthen the province’s efforts to protect important landscapes, species, and vegetation types.
Exploring the hidden world of fynbos frogs
A recent grant from the Herpetological Association of Africa enabled the investigation of the taxonomically confusing species of Ghost Frogs. Ghost Frogs (Family Heleophrynidae) are an endemic family of frogs that diverged from all other frogs 100 million years ago. These specialised frogs typically inhabit fast-flowing headwater habitats.
Where water flows, equality grows on World Water Day 2026
In recent months, communities across the Western Cape have been confronted with increasing water shortages and climate related disruptions. Communities reliant on smaller reservoirs and surface water systems, demonstrate the region’s vulnerability to low rainfall, the impact of alien invasive trees in removing water from natural systems, ageing water infrastructure and rising consumption.
Environmental education gets a boost through CapeNature’s museum training
CapeNature has partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS): Museum Services to expand environmental education across the Western Cape. During February 2026, CapeNature’s Learning and Awareness team trained 18 museum staff members from DCAS affiliated institutions to deliver activity-based programmes focused on water conservation
Western Cape marks World Wildlife Day as CapeNature highlights climate resilience and sustainable living
The Western Cape is marking World Wildlife Day on 3 March, a day proclaimed by the United Nations, by reaffirming its commitment to biodiversity protection, climate resilience and sustainable development, with CapeNature playing a central role in conserving the province’s natural heritage.