Motorists planning to travel during the long weekend are urged to prepare for potentially hazardous driving conditions after widespread snowfall has been predicted across several parts of the country between August 9 and 12.

According to Snow Report Southern Africa, snowfall is possible across all South African provinces during the forecast period.

The southern half of the country is expected to see snow on Sunday and Monday, while northern areas, including Gauteng and Mpumalanga, could receive snowfall on Monday and Tuesday.

The weather service said early data indicates the possibility of snowfall in Johannesburg and across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.

Snow Report Southern Africa identified current hotspots as the southern half of Gauteng, Potchefstroom in North West, the high-ground around Volksrust, Dullstroom and Lydenburg in Mpumalanga, Memel in the Free State, Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, Hogsback in the Eastern Cape, and the Rhodes and Barkly East areas.

The organisation also warned that the N3 and several other major roads could experience anything from light to significant snowfall, particularly on Monday and into early Tuesday.

If the forecast remains unchanged, it said there is potential for significant travel disruptions in several parts of South Africa.

The forecast coincides with the long weekend from August 8 to 10, when many South Africans are expected to travel, increasing the likelihood of motorists encountering adverse weather conditions.

However, Snow Report Southern Africa stressed that this is still an advance forecast and conditions may change over the coming days.

A more detailed forecast will be issued closer to the expected weather event.

Motorists are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts before travelling and to exercise caution on routes where snow is expected, particularly if using major highways such as the N3.