It’s snowing in SA: Temperatures drop below freezing in five provinces

Cut-off lows and below-zero temperatures have turned snowy South Africa into a winter wonderland across five provinces. According to the South African Weather Services (SAWS), there will be continued disruptive snow in the Mohokare (Aliwal North) region in the Eastern Cape for the next 24 hours. The service warns of loss of livestock and crops. Likewise, roads and passes may have to be closed for short periods of time. Snow has already led to icy roads and railway lines, resulting in traffic disruptions.

HOWZIT, SNOWY SOUTH AFRICA

Snowy South Africa has already enjoyed widespread ground falls across the Northern Cape, and Lesotho, while high-lying parts of the Western Cape like Hex River and De Doorns have also received a light dusting of falls. In the last three days, beautiful images of snowy South Africa have been captured in Sutherland, Loxton and Carnarvon … as well as Lesotho.   

The SAWS predicts that Orange level-6 snow fall could continue into Wednesday 5 June 2024, falling in five provinces and even reaching as far North as Namibia. According to latest reports, low-level snowfall is currently reachable in the Northern and Eastern Cape by car. Although motorists are urged to exercise caution in the slippery conditions and to use suitable prepared 4x4s if venturing off road.

WHERE TO SEE SNOW

You’ve got to act quick to capture snowy South Africa at its best, as the first fall of winter tends to melt quickly and turn into slush. However, in the Western Cape, reports say areas of Beaufort West and Murraysburg have seen 10 cm of falls. Similarly, in the Swartberg range near Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Prince Albert there has been a liberal dusting since Sunday (2 June).

In the Northern Cape there has been heavy snow since yesterday (Monday 3 June) in Calvinia, Sutherland, Fraserburg, Loxton, Noupoort, Postmasburg and Prieska. This has reached as much as 25 cm in areas. Even the Free State has seen falls in Clarens, Senekal, Ficksburg, Kroonstad, Harrismith and even Welkom.

While, in the Eastern Cape, Willowmore, Graaff-Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda, Lady Grey, Barkly East and Rhodes have seen a mammoth 30 cm of falls. Some snow is still expected on Sani Pass in KwaZulu-Natal, but predictions for Johanneburg/Gauteng have since dissipated. Nevertheless, it’s anticipated that snowy South Africa will continue to experience freezing cold temperatures for the next few days, so be prepared and dress warm.

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