The country should brace for a cold and wintry Women’s Day as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that a cold front, accompanied by a steep upper-air trough, is expected to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday. 

According to SAWS, the weather system is expected to bring cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions, as well as rough seas and snowfall over mountainous areas.   

These conditions are expected to spread to the Eastern Cape as the system moves eastwards.   

On Monday, August 10, the upper-air trough is expected to deepen further as it moves over the central to eastern parts of the country, spreading cold to very cold conditions along with rain and showers, further inland.  

SAWS said scattered to widespread rain and showers are also expected over the southern parts of the country.   

Snow expected in several provinces  

“Snow is expected over the mountainous areas of the Free State, KZN and Mpumalanga, and there is a low probability of light snow over some of the higher-lying areas outside these regions,” it added. 

However, snow fever is spreading faster than the cold front itself.  

While SAWS has forecast snow for three provinces, Vox Weather and an independent weather forecaster have suggested the wintry weather could extend to additional provinces if conditions develop as expected. 

According to reports by the Pretoria Rekord, Michelle du Plessis of Vox Weather said Sunday’s weather could bring a mixture of rain and snowfall over parts of Gauteng and the Highveld on Monday and Tuesday, although the exact location and intensity remain uncertain. Another independent forecaster extended the possibility of snow further, suggesting it could affect eight provinces.  

The forecasts have shifted from day to day, leaving hopeful South Africans refreshing weather maps and wondering whether they’ll get a glimpse of the white stuff. For now, the safest bet is to check the latest forecast each day – and perhaps hold off on planning to build that snowman just yet. 

Weather warnings 

Snow excitement aside, SAWS warned that the weather system could lead to localised flooding in low-lying areas, roads, bridges and informal settlements due to persistent rainfall. 

Communities can also expect damaging winds, which may result in fallen trees, damage to roofs and infrastructure, power interruptions, and hazardous driving conditions. 

“Damaging waves and rough seas are also expected along the coastline, posing a risk to maritime activities and coastal infrastructure. Very cold conditions may increase the risk of exposure for vulnerable communities and place stress on livestock,” added SAWS.   

It also warned that snow over mountain passes could potentially result in hazardous travel conditions, road closures and transport disruptions.  

SAWS advised the public, motorists, farmers and disaster management authorities to stay informed by following its updates and to take the necessary precautions as this weather system progresses across the country.   

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