South Africa is preparing for one of the most significant cold snaps in recent memory, with forecasts predicting snowfall in eight of the country’s nine provinces as a powerful winter front rolls in this weekend.
Only Limpopo is expected to escape the icy conditions.
The cold front is expected to hit the Western Cape early on Saturday, potentially evolving into a countrywide freeze by Monday, according to meteorologists.
Where snow is expected
The first snowfalls are predicted overnight on Saturday, dusting high-altitude areas of the Western Cape, such as the Cederberg, and spreading to the Nuweveld and Roggeveld ranges in the Northern Cape.
As the cold front pushes inland:
- Sunday may see snow falling in the Karoo, particularly in Loxton, Noupoort, and Nieu-Bethesda.
- The Eastern Cape’s Barkly East and southern Drakensberg are forecast to receive heavier accumulations.
- Lesotho is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with Sani Pass and surrounding areas likely to be buried under thick snow.
Snowfall may also affect border regions in the Free State and western KwaZulu-Natal, where Underberg is expected to be among the hardest hit.
Authorities warn that mountain passes may become impassable, cutting off remote communities.
Extreme cold moving inland
As the front progresses, weather models indicate a possible cut-off low developing by Monday, intensifying the cold and bringing sub-zero temperatures to parts of the interior.
Snowfall may even reach areas unaccustomed to winter precipitation, including parts of southern Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
However, forecasters caution that the extent of snow in these areas remains uncertain and could shift to freezing rain depending on updated models.
Rural communities, particularly farmers, are being urged to prepare for travel disruptions, power outages, and livestock risks.
Where to see the snow
Snow enthusiasts hoping to witness the rare spectacle are advised to head to Underberg, Barkly East, and the southern Drakensberg, but only if it is safe to do so.
“These areas will likely offer the best chance to see snow, but also pose the biggest risk due to slippery roads and blocked mountain passes,” forecasters warned.
Social media communities dedicated to snow tracking are already active, sharing safety tips and past footage of snowy conditions to prepare the public.
South Africa has seen few snowfall events of this scale in recent years, making this weekend’s forecast an extraordinary development for the region.
Residents are urged to monitor local weather updates, stock up on essentials, and avoid unnecessary travel in snow-prone or mountainous areas.
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