South Africa is bracing for a rare and widespread snowfall, with eight out of nine provinces set to experience icy conditions as a powerful winter system sweeps across the country.
Forecasters have warned that the cold front, expected to slam into the Cape early Saturday, could develop into a countrywide freeze by Monday, triggering snow in places that rarely see it. Only Limpopo is likely to escape the chill.
According to meteorological updates from Vox Weather and other sources, the first flurries could dust the Cederberg region in the Western Cape and the mountainous areas of the Northern Cape overnight on Saturday. These include the Nuweveld and Roggeveld ranges, where locals are already gearing up for the sudden shift in weather.
By Sunday, the icy grip will spread to the Karoo’s high-lying towns such as Loxton, Noupoort and Nieu-Bethesda, while the Eastern Cape’s southern Drakensberg and Barkly East areas could see heavier snow build-up. Farmers and rural communities in these regions are being cautioned to prepare for travel disruptions and possible power issues due to the icy conditions.
Weather models remain divided over how much snow will fall in each region, but all forecasts point to Lesotho getting the brunt of it, with major accumulations expected around Sani Pass. This will spill over into border areas like the Free State and western KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in the mountainous Underberg region, could be hit hardest, with heavy snow forecast that may cut off remote communities and block access via mountain passes.
By Monday, as a cut-off low develops in the wake of the initial front, conditions could become even more severe. Freezing temperatures are predicted to drop low enough for snow to fall over southern Gauteng and Mpumalanga’s Highveld, though forecasters warn this depends on shifting model outputs. These interior flurries remain uncertain and could be replaced by freezing rain.
Snow-watchers hoping to catch a glimpse of winter magic are advised to target regions such as Underberg, the southern Drakensberg and Barkly East. However, authorities caution that these may also be the most dangerous areas to access due to ice-covered roads and hazardous mountain routes.
The South African Weather Service has not yet issued official warnings but is monitoring developments closely. Meanwhile, social media groups dedicated to weather tracking have started buzzing with footage from previous snowfalls, offering advice on how to safely navigate snowy terrain and avoid potential accidents.
In recent years, snow events of this scale have become increasingly rare, making this approaching system one to watch. The public is urged to keep an eye on weather alerts, stock up on essentials, and avoid unnecessary travel in high-risk zones.
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Picture: Ziyaad Douglas / Gallo Images
Article written by Aiden Daries
www.capetownetc.com