Snow brings bitterly cold weather with rain and destructive winds

The South African Weather Service (Saws) has confirmed light snowfall over the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, particularly in the extreme northeastern regions of the province.

While snow sightings have been limited so far, Saws forecaster Lehlogonolo Thobela said conditions remain bitterly cold in these areas, and further snowfall is expected later on Wednesday, especially over the Drakensberg mountains and into Lesotho.

Light snow has already been observed in parts of the Lesotho mountains.

“Though there have been some observations of light snow, we’re still expecting disruptive snow over those areas, around into the high-lying areas of Lesotho, covering the Drakensberg mountains,” he said.

According to Thobela, the primary concern remains not only the snow but also the damaging and destructive winds expected along the Eastern Cape’s coastline and adjacent interior. 

“It’s mainly disruptive and damaging winds that are expected. Destructive waves are expected along the western, south and east coasts.”