Snow falls in Klein Karoo as Swartberg Pass closes
Widespread weather warnings affect several provinces as a strong cold front brings freezing conditions, heavy rain and the possibility of snow across South Africa.
The Garden Route District Municipality has confirmed the closure of the Swartberg Pass until further notice following heavy snowfall in parts of the Klein Karoo.
Motorists have been urged to avoid the pass and refrain from travelling to the area to view the snow, with authorities advising travellers to prioritise their safety.
Ou Tol Pizzeria and Accommodation provided the Oudtshoorn Courant with an image showing a thick blanket of snow taken earlier today.
Widespread weather warnings
⚠️ WARNING: FLOODING & WIDESPREAD SNOW ❄️
— Vox Weather (@VoxWeatherZa) August 9, 2026
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A major winter system could bring heavy rain, snow and bitterly cold conditions across SA from 9–11 August.
❄️ Snow possible in 8 provinces
👀 Gauteng still on the radar
⚠️ Dangerous travel conditions possible
🎥 Watch! pic.twitter.com/xpZxnP5Arw
Vox Weather meteorologist Annette Botha said the strong cold front is expected to affect eight provinces, with snow still possible on the Highveld in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
Botha expressed concern for the safety of motorists travelling through the Van Reenen Pass, where snow is likely to fall late on Monday.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several additional warnings following an earlier Level 6 warning for disruptive snow in the Eastern Cape.
Weather warning for today & tomorrow: 09 – 10 August 2026.
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) August 9, 2026
Disruptive rain, damaging winds & waves.#saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/yNdqcNwN9i
A Level 4 warning for damaging winds and waves has been issued along the KZN coast, alongside another Level 4 warning for severe winds that could damage settlements and cause injuries from flying debris.
In addition, a Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for parts of Gauteng.
Weather outlook for Tuesday & Wednesday: 11 – 12 August 2026.
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) August 9, 2026
Partly cloudy & cold to very cold conditions are expected, with isolated to scattered rain & showers possible over the central & eastern parts of the RSA. #saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/v5wR67iHqk
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