A powerful cold front is sweeping across South Africa this week, with four provinces – Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape – bracing for a sharp drop in temperatures, strong winds, and even snowfall in higher elevations. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), residents should prepare for icy conditions and heightened fire risks across several regions.
What to Expect in Gauteng and Surrounding Provinces
This cold front to affect four provinces, is expected to peak between Tuesday, 21 May and Thursday, 23 May. In Gauteng, minimum temperatures could drop to 2°C in Johannesburg and 4°C in Pretoria, while daytime highs may not exceed 15°C. According to SAWS, the cold snap is being driven by a strong upper-air trough combined with a cut-off low, bringing widespread showers to coastal areas and plummeting temperatures inland.
“The SA Weather Service has issued a warning for extremely cold temperatures in most parts of the City of Johannesburg from Wednesday,” said Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for Johannesburg Emergency Services.
Warnings Issued: Cold, Snow, and Fire Risks
SAWS has issued Yellow Level 2 warnings for disruptive snow and high fire danger conditions due to strong gusts in the Free State, Northern Cape, and parts of Gauteng. These conditions increase the risk of runaway veld fires, especially in dry, open areas.
“Snowfall exceeding 10cm is expected in high-lying areas, including parts of the southern Drakensberg and Lesotho,” meteorologist Michelle du Plessis from Vox Weather reported.
Emergency Services on High Alert
In Gauteng, 29 fire stations across the City of Johannesburg have been placed on standby to respond to weather-related incidents. Residents are urged to use heating devices like braziers, gas heaters, and paraffin stoves cautiously to avoid fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
“We urge residents to handle heating devices with care and avoid leaving them unattended,” said Mulaudzi.
Source: IOL
How to Prepare for the Cold Front
- Dress in warm, layered clothing.
- Use heating appliances safely.
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak cold and windy conditions.
- Stay updated via official channels like www.weathersa.co.za and municipal alerts.
This cold front to affect four provinces is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of South Africa’s winter weather. With Gauteng among the hardest hit, residents are encouraged to prioritise safety, follow verified updates, and assist vulnerable community members during the cold spell.
ALSO READ: Cold Front Alert: Snow and Icy Temperatures Headed for South Africa This Week
