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SA Weather Service Flags Wind, Dust and Extreme Fire Risk as Cold Snap Eases

An easing cold snap signals improving conditions nationally, though targeted warnings for damaging winds, reduced visibility and extremely high fire danger could disrupt travel and raise ignition risk.

Overview

  • SAWS has issued Yellow Level 2 impact warnings for damaging interior and coastal winds and reduced visibility from dust in parts of the Western and Northern Cape, including West Coast, Witzenberg, Namakwa, Hantam and Karoo Hoogland municipalities.
  • Extremely high fire-danger ratings remain in specified local municipalities of the Northern and Western Cape, with Nama-Khoi, Hantam, Matzikama, Cederberg and Laingsburg named as areas at greatest risk of rapid fire spread.
  • SAWS reported on Friday, 14 August that the late-winter cold snap is loosening and fine, warmer conditions are returning across most of the country, even as the localised wind, dust and fire warnings continue.
  • Very cold conditions, morning frost and icy or slippery roads are forecast in parts of the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and the Free State, creating short-term travel hazards and localized safety risks for commuters and farmers.
  • SAWS also warns of a very high UVB index in several regions and advises sun protection, while the combination of strong winds, dry fuels and reduced visibility could strain local fire-response and disrupt road travel in affected districts.