Cape Town: The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on motorists to exercise increased caution as adverse weather conditions impact the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Northern Cape. The warning comes in light of forecasts from earlier this week when the South African Weather Service (SAWS) predicted a significant cold front would make landfall on Wednesday.

According to South African Government News Agency, the SAWS has alerted the public to expect wet and slippery roads, which may lead to hazardous driving conditions. Heavy rainfall, with the potential for localized flooding, is anticipated over the western parts of the Western Cape, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas from Wednesday into Thursday, June 25-26, 2025. The weather service also forecasts cold to very cold conditions, with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, extending into the southwestern interior of the Northern Cape.

Motorists are advised to adhere to specific road safety measures during these challenging weather conditions. Recommendations include reducing speed and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, using lights to improve visibility, and keeping vehicle lights and windshields clean. Drivers should also use low gears for better traction on hills, avoid using cruise control or overdrive on icy roads, and exercise caution on bridges, overpasses, and less-traveled roads that are likely to freeze first. Passing snowplows and sanding trucks is discouraged due to limited visibility and potentially worse road conditions ahead of them. Furthermore, drivers should not overestimate their vehicle’s capability in adverse conditions, as even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter difficulties on winter roads.