Pretoria to feel the chill as snow falls elsewhere
Pretoria residents can expect a cold and wet week as heavy rain, freezing temperatures, and snowfall hit parts of South Africa this week.
A powerful cold front sweeping across South Africa this week is set to bring icy temperatures, heavy rain, and snowfall to several regions — and while Pretoria won’t see snow, residents are urged to brace for a significant chill and possible downpours as the weather system moves in.
According to VoxWeather forecaster Michelle du Plessis, a strong cut-off low combined with a surface high-pressure system will bring in cold and wet weather to parts of the country this week.
“Widespread and heavy rain are possible along the east coast, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, parts of the Free State, Gauteng, North West, the Highveld and surrounding regions.
“Models are showing the likelihood of AROUND 100MM of rain throughout this week along the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal, the Wild Coast and surrounding areas in the Eastern Cape as well as parts of the Free State.”
She added that rainfall exceeding 50mm is likely over parts of the Highveld and North West.
“Freezing levels are expected to drop significantly from Tuesday with more than 5CM of snow likely over the mountains in Lesotho, especially over the southern Drakensberg around Tiffindell.
“A light dusting of snow is also likely around Barkly East. The snowfall this week is expected to occur in phases throughout the week.”
Du Plessis added that a significant drop in temperatures is also expected over the high-lying areas in parts of the Karoo, Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and surrounding areas near Lesotho, with daytime temperatures battling to reach 15°C in places.
“Temperatures will gradually drop from today, with Thursday expected to be the coldest day of the week (Pretoria can expect a maximum of 18°C).
“It will also be rainy in Pretoria on Wednesday and Thursday. By the weekend, conditions will be dry, sunny, and mild again, with temperatures in the mid-20s.”
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