South Africa shivers under winter’s fiercest assault yet, with Cape Town battling a severe cold front and Gauteng awaiting potential snowfall – a phenomenon last seen in Johannesburg on 10 July 2023. As temperatures plummet nationwide, disaster teams brace for flooding, road closures, and rare highveld snow.
Western Cape: Cold front slams coasts
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warns of a “well-developed cold front” hitting the Western Cape from Saturday, 7 June, bringing torrential rain, mountain snow, and 90km/h winds. SAWS confirms:
“The forecast also indicated the likelihood of light snowfall in the Western Cape mountains, as well as the southern high-lying areas of the Northern Cape.”
Key risks include:
- 40mm rainfall over mountains, triggering potential flooding
- Gale-force winds disrupting power and coastal shipping
- Hazardous driving conditions and isolated service disruptions
Disaster teams are on high alert as the system advances eastward. Farmers face livestock losses, with SAWS noting “agricultural production impacts” are likely.
Gauteng’s snow dream: hope vs reality
All eyes turn to Gauteng, where Vox Weather forecasts possible snowfall on Monday, 9 June – a prospect not seen since 2023. While snow is confirmed for the Cederberg and Northern Cape mountains this weekend, Gauteng’s fate hangs on volatile weather systems.
Vox Weather states:
“Light snow remains a possibility over the southern parts of Gauteng… but cut-off lows are unpredictable. Snowfall over Gauteng is still highly uncertain.”
Critical context:
- Only European models predict Gauteng snow
- Freezing rain could replace snow if temperatures fluctuate
- Southern Mpumalanga and eastern Free State also at risk
National threats: Grom frost to floods
Two cold fronts now sweep SA, bringing deceptive conditions: warmer days but sub-zero nights. Vox Weather’s Michelle du Plessis explains:
“The wet ground loses heat faster at night. So even if days are warm, nights can be vicious.”
High-risk zones:
- KZN Drakensberg/Lesotho: Heavy snow may close Sani Pass (flood alerts active)
- Free State/Eastern Cape: Light snow could strand vehicles
- Gauteng: Frostbite-risk nights despite “milder” winter forecast
Stay prepared
Monitor real-time weather updates and avoid mountain travel. Gauteng residents should watch for forecast shifts – that snow chance could vanish by Monday.
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