Large parts of Stellenbosch University’s campus were affected by flooding after heavy rain in the Western Cape (April 2026) (Photo: Provided)
The South African Weather Service (SAWD) has issued an orange level 8 warning for disruptive rain in the southern parts of the Western and Eastern Cape, where heavy rain could lead to widespread flooding.
A low pressure system is expected to significantly affect the southern provinces of South Africa from Wednesday to Thursday. According to the weather service, parts of the Western and Eastern Cape that have recently been affected by a previous cut-off pressure system are particularly vulnerable to flooding.
According to the SAWD, the system will bring widespread cold, wet and windy conditions across several provinces. Light snowfall is also expected over the higher mountains of the Cape Provinces and the Drakensberg.
The rain is expected to occur especially over the Garden Route district in the Western Cape and extend to the central and western parts of the Eastern Cape. The weather service warns that the rain could lead to localized and significant flooding of vulnerable areas, including roads, bridges, low-lying settlements and low-water bridges.
Fast-flowing streams and rivers can be life-threatening, while major transport routes can be affected by flooding and poor visibility.
In addition to the rain, a significant drop in daytime temperatures is expected in the affected areas. The weather service says conditions may bring light, non-disruptive snowfall over higher lying areas in the Cape Provinces, the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg and the Clarens area in the Free State.
This is what the outlook looks like for Wednesday, 3 June 2026 (Source: SA Weather Service)
Although snowfall is expected over the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, no significant disruption is expected in the Van Reenen Pass area on the N3 at this stage.
Strong wind and rough sea conditions are also expected along the south-western and southern coastline of the Western Cape, as well as the southern coastline of the Eastern Cape. This can make navigation at sea difficult, especially for small vessels and personal watercraft.
The public is advised to monitor the latest official weather forecasts and warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and flooding and not attempt to drive or walk over flooded roads, bridges or rivers.
Loose objects outside should be secured, while people along coastal areas should exercise caution and avoid fishing or recreational activities at sea during the warning period.
The SAWD also requested community leaders and disaster management authorities to remain on high alert and activate contingency plans where necessary.
The weather service says warnings will be continuously updated as the likelihood and severity of possible impacts become clearer. The public is advised not to spread unauthorized or unverified information.