Cold, wet weather to hit KZN

KZN to experience a sharp drop in temperatures, with snowfall anticipated over the Drakensberg

June 3, 2026

Gugu Myeni 2 minutes read

Warnings of heavy rains have been issued for KZN PHOTO: Abhishek Tewari/Unsplash

Wet and bitterly cold weather is expected in most parts of KZN from tomorrow (Thursday) until Friday.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Wednesday warned that a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to result in widespread to scattered showers and thundershowers over the province on Thursday and in the north-east on Friday morning.

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These thunderstorms may become severe over most parts of the province and over the north-eastern parts on Friday.

This has prompted warnings from the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), urging residents, motorists and farmers to stay vigilant as the conditions persist.

“While the heaviest disruptive rainfall is hitting the Western and Eastern Cape, KZN is going to see a sharp drop in temperatures, with light snowfall expected over the Drakensberg mountain range [on] Thursday,” said the department.

The snowfall is, however, not expected to cause disruptions or closures over the Van Reenen’s Pass region of the N3 highway.

“KZN’s primary economic route remains open and safe. However, we urge all road users to keep a safe following distance, turn on their headlights, and drive with extra care in the wet and cold conditions.

“Our provincial disaster management centre has activated the necessary response protocols and placed municipal disaster teams on high alert. Emergency crews are monitoring high-risk areas closely and are ready to step in should the weather take an unexpected turn for the worse,” said Cogta.

Safety advice for communities

• Look after livestock: Farmers in high-lying areas and districts close to the Drakensberg must move their livestock and pets to adequate shelter and warmth to protect them from the severe cold
• Hikers and tourists: Anyone planning trips or hikes up the Drakensberg mountains should put those plans on hold. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly
• Avoid fake news: We urge the public not to share unverified weather warnings or voice notes on social media, as this causes unnecessary panic. Always rely on official updates from SAWS

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