Gale force winds expected this weekend in the Western Cape

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for wind and waves in the Western Cape on Friday, 23 June. The weather warning key indicates there is a high likelihood of minor weather-based impacts.

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WESTERN CAPE WEATHER WARNING

The weather warning is valid from 8:00 on Sunday, 25 June, until 23:59 on Monday. A high-pressure weather system is expected to dominate over the southwestern parts of the Western Cape over the weekend.

Strong to near-gale force (39 to 61km/h) southeasters are expected between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas on Sunday morning. The winds will pick up and reach gale force (61 to 74km/h) overnight into Monday.

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“Along with these winds, southwesterly waves with significant heights of 4.0 to 5.0 metres are expected and subsiding during Monday afternoon.

“However, the combination of these winds and quick successive steep waves will result in very rough and choppy seas that may lead to difficulty in navigation for small vessels and localised disruptions at ports,” said the weather service.

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THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS INCLUDE:

• Difficulty navigating the sea for small vessels and personal watercrafts. Small vessels are also at risk of taking on water and capsizing.
• Disruption of susceptible ports due to the quick, successive waves.
• Build-up of sand on some coastal routes.
• Disruption to beachfront activities.
• Rock anglers could be swept off rocks when fishing.

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