Gauteng residents are advised to prepare for a significant drop in temperatures as a cold front is expected to hit the province from early Wednesday.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts cloudy conditions in the south and partly cloudy, cold to cool weather elsewhere.

There is a 30% to 60% chance of showers and thundershowers across most parts of the country, excluding the north-eastern regions. Snow is also possible on the mountain peaks of the Eastern Cape, along with damaging winds and rough seas.

Weather forecast for tomorrow, 21 May 2025:
Cloudy in the south, otherwise partly cloudy cold to cool with 30% to 60% showers and thundershowers,except in the north-eastern. Snow is possible on the mountain peaks in the Eastern Cape ⚠️Disruptive snowfall, damaging winds and waves pic.twitter.com/VwPqVYfc7h

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) May 20, 2025

Gauteng Weather issued an alert, warning that a cold front is currently sweeping across central South Africa and is expected to hit Gauteng by early Wednesday.

⚠️ ALERT: COLD FRONT CURRENTLY SWEEPING CENTRAL SA & IS EXPECTED TO HIT GAUTENG BY EARLY WEDNESDAY!!!

— Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) May 20, 2025

Temperatures in Gauteng are expected to drop significantly this week. Wednesday will see a low of 2°C and a high of 13°C. Thursday’s forecast is 4°C to 17°C, with Friday slightly warmer at 5°C to 18°C.

⚠️ALERT: COLD FRONT AHEAD

Monday🌤️8|23°C
Tuesday⛅️4|21°C🍃WINDY
❄️COLD FRONT❄️
Wednesday🌤️2|13°C🍃
Thursday☀️4|17°C
Friday☀️5|18°C#JHBWeather

Monday🌤️10|25°C
Tuesday⛅️6|23°C🍃WINDY
❄️COLD FRONT❄️
Wednesday🌤️4|15°C🍃
Thursday☀️6|19°C
Friday☀️7|20°C#PTAWeather

— Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) May 18, 2025

Residents are urged to prepare for the cold spell, stay warm, and follow updates from SAWS and Gauteng Weather.

Stay safe during the cold snap

With the cold front approaching, take care when using heaters and gas fires, never leave them on unattended or when you leave home. Electric blankets should also be switched off before you go out and not left on overnight for safety.

Make sure your gas bottles are full, as demand may cause shortages if the cold lasts several days. Remember to bring pets indoors at night to protect them from the cold.

@comaro.chronicle Stay safe during the cold snap With the cold front approaching, take care when using heaters and gas fires, never leave them on unattended or when you leave home. Electric blankets should also be switched off before you go out and not left on overnight for safety. Make sure your gas bottles are full, as demand may cause shortages if the cold lasts several days. Remember to bring pets indoors at night to protect them from the cold. City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urges residents to follow these precautions as the cold front moves in. #ColdFront ♬ original sound – Comaro Chronicle

City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urges residents to follow these precautions as the cold front moves in:

Candle safety tips:

• Keep candles away from children

• A child should not be left unattended in a room with a candle.

• Store candles, matches and lighters away from the reach of children.

• A candle should not be used to light stoves.

• A candle should not be used in a confined space.

Braziers or Imbaula stove tips:

• Make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide inhalation.

• Take the brazier or Imbaula outside before you go to bed.

Paraffin safety:

• Put your paraffin stove on a flat surface where it cannot fall or get knocked over.

• Use safe containers to store paraffin.

Before you go to bed or out:

• Never go to bed or out with a candle or paraffin lamp still burning.

• Switch off heaters and stoves at the plug before going to bed or out.

• Always put out cigarettes carefully. Do not smoke in bed.

For any life-threatening emergencies, call 10177 on a Telkom landline, 112 on your cellphone, or 011 375 5911.