More snow is expected – will Pretoria feel the chill?

Even though it’s supposed to be spring and summer in South Africa, more snow is expected in the coming week or two.

Will this have an impact on Pretoria residents?

According to Vox Weather forecaster Michelle Cordier, residents in Pretoria will enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures above 30 degrees this week.

“It’s only by Monday that the maximum temperatures will drop by around 10 degrees, with temperatures hovering around 20.

“It looks like it will remain cool for a few days next week. Unfortunately, we are not expecting much rain in the coming week or so.”

The cold snap will extend to the escarpment of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal on the 1st of October, with temperatures starting to recover by the 2nd.

South Africans are advised to prepare for fluctuating temperatures and possible snow in high-lying areas over the next week.

This comes after at least two people have died from hypothermia, after being trapped in the snow on the N3 in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands.

Hundreds of other motorists were left stranded for days on this route.

Snowstorms hit the eastern part of the country on Friday, disrupting several major routes, including the N3 highway linking Johannesburg to the coastal city of Durban, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Authorities reported traffic was backed up for approximately 30 kilometres early on Sunday, nearly two days after the first vehicles were stranded.

Spokesperson for the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department Lindsay Mnguni previously advised the public and small stock farmers to take the necessary precautions before the expected adverse weather hit to ensure the safety and well-being of their animals.

In the event of any fire danger exposure to dwellings, like shacks or houses, vegetation or veld fires, the public could call the toll-free number 107.

Mnguni said people must guard against using fuels that were not designed for their heating units.

“Improper use of space heaters, such as izimbawula, braziers and electric, gas and paraffin heaters, should be avoided. Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning will be approved during this period),” he said.

Also read: Patient found dead in bathroom at Dr George Mukhari Hospital

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