Wet and cold: Impending cold fronts to bring snow and sub-zero temperatures across SA | News24

Snow and fires are expected in parts of the country over the weekend. (Muhammed Saloojee/Supplied)

• The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warns of approaching cold fronts expected to bring snow this weekend.
• Temperatures in the Free State may drop to as low as minus six degrees with similar conditions in the Eastern Cape.
• Johannesburg Emergency Management Services is conducting education drives to prevent fires during the cold spell.

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of a series of cold fronts approaching the country heading into the weekend.

A dramatic drop in temperatures is expected to bring snow to the mountains of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces. As it moves across the country, the cold front is expected to leave partly cloudy to cloudy conditions in its wake.

Moving from west to east, the cold front is set to bring snow primarily along the mountainous terrains of the Western Cape before spreading to the highlands of the Eastern Cape and the southern parts of the Northern Cape.

SAWS forecaster Celeste Fourie said: “As the cold front makes its landfall, it will reach the Western Cape mountains and then push into the extreme southern parts of the Northern Cape.”

She added:

Fourie said the snowfall was also anticipated to extend to the southern parts of the Free State.

She said it was predicted that the Free State would experience the coldest temperatures, with levels potentially plunging to between minus two and minus six degrees, especially near the Lesotho border.

The Western and Eastern Cape are expected to face minimum temperatures ranging from two to four degrees.

“The mountainous areas of the Eastern Cape are expected to reach temperatures between minus two and minus four degrees,” Fourie said.

Gauteng will not be spared from the chill, as forecasts indicated minimum temperatures hovering between zero and two degrees.

Meanwhile, Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the City had been proactive in its approach to fighting potential fires by hosting a number of education drives.

Not only has there been very little rainfall, but the freezing temperatures are expected to result in households using heating devices.

Speaking to News24 on Friday, Mulaudzi said the City expected an increase in fires during winter cold spells, especially in the informal areas of Johannesburg.

The city is especially vulnerable to fires in the wake of the Rand Water maintenance work, which began on 22 June and is expected to end on 29 July. The maintenance work has affected water levels in some reservoirs and water towers in the city, leaving taps with poor water pressure or without water.

“The City is prepared for any fires as we have water tankers which will provide [backup water] if there is a shortage [in the hydrants],” Mulaudzi said.

“We are expecting fires this weekend, especially in the informal settlements, but we have had public education drives in an effort to prevent fires. We are hoping to see a reduction in the [number] of fires because of this,” he added.

David Nel of Wilderness Search And Rescue cautioned hikers to keep an eye on weather reports this weekend before undertaking outdoor activities like hiking.

He said to be responsible when travelling to areas that may have snow.

“Be cautious and patient when driving to find snow. Don’t make any sudden stops in the car, respect landowners and don’t trespass on private properties.”

“Snow seekers are reminded that snow is wet and cold, so if you do go out, pack extra clothes and take gumboots. Be extra cautious to look after children as they get colder faster [than adults], pack extra warm dry clothing for after they finish playing in the snow,” Nel said.