Watch: Snowfall confirmed as cold front grips South Africa
Snowfall and freezing temperatures hit parts of SA as cold fronts sweep across the country, prompting warnings and disaster readiness.
Citizens across the country woke up to a winter wonderland as snowfall was officially confirmed, prompting weather warnings ahead of a cold front sweeping across the country in the coming days.
According to Pretoria Rekord, snow was confirmed in parts of KZN, Lesotho and the Free State this morning.
VoxWeather meteorologist Michelle du Plessis said today would be the coldest day in Gauteng, followed by an icy Thursday morning — with minimum temperatures near freezing in the southern parts of Gauteng, where frost is possible — behind the front.
“We have a cold front arriving in the Cape on Tuesday, bringing cold air that will spread across the country. Wednesday will be cold in Gauteng (with maximum temperatures around 15 to 17°C) accompanied by a chilly wind, but rain is only expected over the Cape provinces, where snow is also possible over the high-lying areas. Most of the snowfall will occur over the southern Drakensberg and Lesotho.”
The South African Weather Service (Saws) said a cold front associated with a steep upper-air trough is expected to affect the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape from yesterday into today.
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The public and small-stock farmers were advised that cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions with snowfall on the mountains were expected over the Western Cape and southern parts of the Northern Cape yesterday, spreading to the Eastern Cape overnight, where very rough seas were expected along the coast from yesterday evening into today.
@rekordpretoria Watch: Snowfall confirmed – Here’s what it means for Pretoria Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2025/05/21/watch-snowfall-confirmed-heres-what-it-means-for-pretoria/ Video: Facebook/Imogen Tarita #snow #southafrica #latestnews
KZN braces for snow, icy winds and heavy rain
The Witness reports that KZN residents have been urged to take extreme caution as two strong cold fronts sweep across the province, bringing heavy rain, freezing temperatures and possible snowfall in high-lying areas.
Pietermaritzburg residents woke up to heavy rainfall this morning, as weather conditions worsened across the province.
Saws has forecast a sharp drop in temperatures, with high-lying regions in KZN and the Eastern Cape expected to see light snowfall from today.
Icy winds and rain are expected to affect vast parts of the province.
@rekordpretoria Watch: Snowfall confirmed – Here’s what it means for Pretoria Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2025/05/21/watch-snowfall-confirmed-heres-what-it-means-for-pretoria/ Video: Facebook/Da-Fan Monnea snow southafrica latestnews
Disaster management teams on high alert
Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert, while local municipalities have been urged to activate contingency plans to support vulnerable communities.
KZN Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi says the provincial disaster management centre is working closely with Saws and emergency services to monitor developments.
“We urge all residents to remain vigilant and to follow the advice of disaster officials. Early action can help prevent loss of life and property.”
He encourages residents to report weather-related incidents to local authorities immediately and to follow updates from official sources.
Communities are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay warm, and ensure elderly family members and children are kept safe.
Residents were also reminded to check on neighbours, particularly the elderly and those living alone, and to use heating appliances safely to avoid fire hazards.
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