Category: <span>SAWS</span>

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Veld Fire Conditions & Damaging Waves

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Veld Fire Conditions Beaufort West, George, Hessequa, Kamiesberg, Kannaland, Khâi-Ma, Knysna, Laingsburg, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Nama Khoi, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert, Richtersveld, Swellendam 20/06/21 – 08h00 21/06/21 – 18h00

Discussion: The warm temperatures, dry conditions and fresh to strong winds could result in the development of runaway and veld/bush fires.

Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

Instruction: Fireteams, labour and equipment are to be placed on stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Waves

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow (L2) Bergrivier, Bitou, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, Cederberg, City of Cape town, George, Hessequa, Kamiesberg, Knysna, Matzikama, Mossel Bay, Nama Khoi, Overstrand, Richtersveld, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay 22/06/21 – 00h00 24/06/21 – 00h00

Discussion: Significant wave heights with predominant SW direction of 4.0 to 6.5m between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas from Tuesday afternoon, with 5.0m wave heights spreading to Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday. Rough and choppy seas are expected for Monday and Tuesday, but high energy and powerful waves from Tuesday night. Although spring high tide is expected on Thursday, tides will already be reaching further up the beachfront throughout the week. Wave heights will subside on Thursday.

Impact: Difficulty in navigation at sea for small vessels and personal watercraft (e.g. kayaks) can be expected (particularly Mon and Tue). This may lead to vessels taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Disruption to beachfront activities is likely. Localised damage to coastal infrastructure is possible mainly on Wed and Thurs. Anglers and beach-goers on low-level rocks may be at risk of being swept off by large waves (Wed and Thur). Localised disruption to small harbours for short periods may result.

Instruction: Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Be aware of strong rip currents especially during spring tides.

Report any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at:
044 805 5071.

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Winds

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L2) Beaufort West, Bitou, Breede Valley, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Knysna, Laingsburg, Langeberg, Bergrivier, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert, Swellendam 21/06/21 –  11h00 22/06/21 – 00h00

Discussion: Strong north-westerly winds (50-60km/h gusting 70km/h) can be expected over southern Namakwa and central and eastern interior of the Western Cape during the afternoons of Monday and Tuesday, although excluding the Garden Route for Tuesday. North-westerly to westerly winds are also expected to reach gale force (60-70km/h gusting to 80km/h) between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas from Monday night, spreading to Still Bay on Tuesday afternoon moderating the evening.

Impact: Localised damage to settlements can be expected. Localised problems can be expected for high-sided vehicles on prone routes (N1, N7, R321, R43). Risk for spread of runaway fires (new and existing). Over the coastal areas, localised disruption of small harbours or ports for a short period can be expected. Difficulty in navigation at sea due to strong winds and choppy seas may lead to small vessels being at risk of taking on water/ capsizing.

Instruction: Be aware of the following: sudden cross winds if travelling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored. Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.

Report any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at:
044 805 5071.

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Please find included the Updated Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow(L2) Bitou, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay 20/05/21 – 00h00 21/05/21 – 00h00

Discussion: A series of cold frontal systems passing over the Western Cape Province causes significant wave heights of 4.0 to 5.0m between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas on Thursday afternoon, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the evening. The wave heights are expected to reach 5.5 to 6.0m between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas on Thursday night, spreading to Plettenberg Bay on Friday morning, subsiding by the evening.

Impact: Difficulty in navigation at sea can be expected with strong winds and large waves where small vessels might be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Beachfront activities will be disrupted and anglers and beach-goers on low-level rocks are at risk of being caught off guard from infrequent large waves and swept off the rocks.

Instruction: Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets.

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Please find included the Updated Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
 Disruptive Rain Yellow(L2) Bitou, Breede Valley, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam 07/05/2021 – 10h00 08/05/2021 – 18h00

Discussion: Showers and thundershowers expected today in the southwestern parts of the Western Cape and are expected clear from the west by this evening, and spreading along with the eastern parts of the Garden Route in the afternoon persisting into late Saturday evening. Rainfall accumulation of 40mm to 50mm can be expected for this evening into Saturday evening over the Garden Route.

Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Flooding of low-lying bridges may also occur as well as potholes may develop. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.

Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
 Disruptive Rain Yellow(L2) Bitou, Breede Valley, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam, Theewaterskloof 07/05/2021 – 00h00 08/05/2021 – 00h00

Discussion: Showers and thundershowers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape. Significant rainfall amounts have been accumulated in the past few days, and more rainfall can be expected over the Overberg, southern Cape Winelands as well as the Garden Route Districts throughout Friday into Saturday morning. Rainfall accumulations between 20-30mm in addition to the accumulated rainfall amounts can be expected. With the thunderstorms, strong winds (downburst) over short periods may also occur as well as a small chance of hail.

Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Low-lying bridges and pooling of potholes may also occur. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Friday and Saturday morning. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.

Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape.

Please note: The Impact Based Warning w.r.t Disruptive Rain has not been revised by SAWS meaning that the previous warning send yesterday is still valid.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L4) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand 06/05/21 –  01h00 06/05/21 –  23h00

Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Table Bay and Stilbaai.

Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.

Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow(L1) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Table Bay 06/05/21 – 01h00 06/05/21 – 23h00

Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay throughout Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Table Bay and Stillbaai on Thursday.

Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.

Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Please find included several Impact Based Warnings for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Disruptive Rain Yellow(L4) Breede Valley, City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, Hessequa, Langeberg, Stellenbosch 05/05/21 –  20h00 06/05/21 –  23h00

Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing showers and thundershowers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday morning spreading eastwards to the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Significant rainfall can be expected over the City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands (mainly central and southern) as well as Hessequa municipality from Wednesday evening and intermittently throughout Thursday, where rainfall accumulations between 40-60mm reaching up to 80-100mm in the mountainous areas can be expected. With the thunderstorms, there is a small chance of hail. Lightning will occur as well as strong winds over short periods as a result of thunderstorm downburst.

Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Thursday. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.

Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L4) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand 05/05/21 –  18h00 06/05/21 – 23h00

Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Hout Bay and Stilbaai. The wind will be at its full force from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, this is the same period when the upper air weather system will be intensifying.

Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.

Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L4) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand 05/05/21 –  18h00 06/05/21 – 23h00

Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Hout Bay and Stilbaai from Wednesday late morning continuing into Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Hout Bay and Stillbaai from Wednesday afternoon and throughout Thursday.

Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.

Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.

Media Release: Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape

Media Release issued by the South African Weather Service

Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape – 5 to 6 May 2021

A cut-off low is expected to affect the Western Cape from tomorrow (Wednesday 5 May) into Thursday, resulting in widespread showers and thundershowers, strong winds, and very rough sea conditions especially from Wednesday evening, extending into Thursday.

Read more: SAWS Media Release – Medrel 4 May 2021

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Please find included several Impact Based Warnings for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow (L1) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay 05/05/21 –  08h00 06/05/21 –  00h00

Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing considerable rain and showers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape from tomorrow morning spreading eastwards over the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Rain continues for the south coastal areas on Thursday and Friday. With this system wave, heights are expected to reach 4.0-5.5m between Cape Columbine and Stilbaai from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds 60-80km/h) is expected along the west and south-west coastal areas from Wednesday early morning spreading to Still Bay by evening and continuing into Thursday. Please note that there is high uncertainty with this system and models have not been consistent. We will continue to monitor the conditions and update warnings.

Impact: Small vessels can possibly be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. There is also a possibility of difficulty in navigation such as small vessels in a short period and steep waves. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities such as the closure of beaches for swimming can also be expected.

Instruction: Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Be aware of strong rip currents especially during spring tides.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Disruptive Rain Yellow (L4) Bitou, Breede Valley, City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Stellenbosch, Witzenberg 05/05/21 – 20h00 06/05/21 – 00h00

Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing rain and showers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday morning spreading eastwards to the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Significant rainfall can be expected in the Overberg, Garden Route and the City of Cape Town from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, where rainfall accumulations of between 40-60mm reaching up to 80-100mm in the mountainous areas can be expected. A further 05-10mm can be expected on Friday for the same areas. We will continue to monitor the conditions and update warnings.

Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements are possible that could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Wednesday. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.

Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow (L4) Cape Agulhas, City of Cape Town, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay, Overstrand 05/05/21 –  18h00 06/05/21 – 00h00

Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly wind of 62-70km/h and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday late morning along the coastlines between Cape Columbine and Stilbaai, including the Cape Metropole and Overberg during the afternoon. The wind will be at its full force from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, this is the same period when the upper air weather system will be intensifying.

Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea. Some disruption to operations for small harbours and ports may occur, and also disruptions to beachfront activities are possible. Inland: strong winds will result in dangerous driving conditions, damage to settlements, falling of trees and interruptions to power lines and communications.

Instruction: Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden crosswinds if travelling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris. Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

>>>Legal notice:<<<

“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.

It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Report any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at:
044 805 5071.

Weather forecast 19 April 2021

Garden Route District Municipality disseminates the information below on behalf of the South African Weather Service.

Today: 19/04/2021

Rain: There is 60% chance of light rain along the south-coast from today morning, spreading to the adjacent interior and the Central Karoo District from this afternoon. The rainfall is expected to be cleared by the mid-morning tomorrow along the western parts of the south coast, but remaining everywhere else until in the afternoon. Light rain is also expected on Wednesday morning along with the eastern parts of the south-coast, spreading throughout the south-coast by the evening until the early hours of Thursday morning. No significant weather expected from Thursday afternoon until Saturday afternoon. A weak cold front approaching the Western Cape Province is expected to make landfall on Saturday evening, resulting in light rain over the south-western parts of the province, spreading to the south-coast by Sunday morning while clearing from the west, remaining only along with the extreme eastern parts of the south-coast by the evening.

Winds: are expected to be strong easterly to south-easterly over the Cape Metropole and along with the south-western coastal areas today until tomorrow in the afternoon. A Yellow level 1 warning for WINDS has been issued with possible impacts such as possible runaway fires over these areas and other possible impacts. Otherwise, light to moderate southerly to south-easterly winds are expected throughout the province for the most part of the week.

Temperatures: are expected to be cool to warm along the coastal areas, but warm to hot over the interior.

Coastal winds:  Winds are expected to be moderate to strong easterly to south-easterly for the most part of the week, moderating along the West-Coast by tomorrow afternoon where it becomes south-westerly, spreading to the south-coast by Friday afternoon.

Sea state: Mostly 2.0 to 3.0m wave heights, reaching 4.0 to 5.0m along the south-western coastline from Sunday afternoon, mostly south-westerly swells but easterly along the south-coast.

Most recent spring tide date: 12 April 2021

Issued by the South African Weather Service.

Report any severe weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at telephone number 044 805 5071.