The long weekend’s weather: What you need to know

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Many South Africans are looking forward to the upcoming long weekend, with plans ranging from family gatherings at home to trips along the Garden Route and beyond.

But as holidaymakers prepare to head out, the question on everyone’s mind remains: what will the weather bring?

The outlook for the Southern Cape starts on a positive note, with warm conditions expected at the beginning of the weekend.

However, according to the South African Weather Service (Saws), a significant change is on the way.

Saws has issued a weather advisory warning of very cold, wet and windy conditions from Sunday 26 April. A well-developed cold front is expected to reach the Western Cape by Sunday afternoon, bringing widespread rain.

Rainfall of between 20mm and 40mm is forecast over the southwestern parts of the province, which could impact travel conditions, particularly on major routes.

In addition, strong interior winds of 40 to 50km/h, with gusts reaching up to 70 to 90km/h, are expected over the southern parts of the Namakwa region and the Central Karoo on Sunday.

By Monday 27 April, cold conditions are set to intensify. Daytime temperatures are expected to drop to 10°C and below in areas such as the Witzenberg Municipality, accompanied by wet weather and winds of around 30km/h.

Along the coast, rough seas are also expected. Southwesterly swells with wave heights of between 4m and 5m are forecast between Saldanha Bay and Plettenberg Bay.

Residents and travellers are urged to take note of the changing conditions and to plan accordingly, especially those who will be spending time on the roads or at sea over the long weekend.