A COLD snap is descending on parts of the Western Cape, most likely to cause destructive winds, a dramatic drop in the mercury, sporadic rainfall and snow
The South African Weather Service warned against a series of cold fronts, with the first one to hit the country by Sunday.
The first cold front will sweep through the greater parts of the Western Cape, after which it will move to the eastern parts of the country and continue until Wednesday.
The second cold front is set to make its reappearance in the Western Cape by Monday evening.
Hannelee Doubell, spokesperson for the South African Weather Service, says the cold fronts are expected to lead to strong winds, tumultuous waves, heavy rainfall, light snow and a significant drop in temperatures.
Strong north-westerly winds of between 50 km/h and 60 km/h and gusts of up to 80 km/h are expected from Sunday over the southern parts of the Northern Cape and the interior of the Western and Eastern Cape.
Waves with heights of 4m to 4.5m are forecast for Monday morning between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas.
This is expected to continue until the afternoon. Strong northwesterly winds of up to 60km/h are expected along the same coast.
"Heavy rain of between 50mm and 80mm is expected in the south-western parts of the Western Cape from Monday and is expected to continue until Wednesday afternoon. The rain will spread to the Eastern Cape by Tuesday,” Doubell said.
“Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to drop significantly across the Western Cape and Namakwa district on Monday.
“’The northern parts of the country can also expect lower temperatures by Wednesday.”
The cold can also be accompanied by possible snow in the southern parts of Namaqualand, as well as the high-lying areas of the Western and Eastern Cape.