A cold front has swept across Gauteng, bringing with it a chance of something rare and exciting: snow in Gauteng. With icy temperatures gripping the province, weather experts say there’s a small chance of snowflakes or soft hail falling in parts of the region, particularly during the early hours of Friday morning.
While full snow cover is unlikely, the current weather conditions are generating real anticipation among residents hoping to catch a glimpse of something magical in the sky.
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Why Gauteng Residents Are Talking About Snow
The current cold snap is caused by a strong cut-off low-pressure system moving across South Africa. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), this system is bringing widespread rain, icy wind, and dropping temperatures across the central and eastern regions of the country. In Gauteng, the impact is already being felt.
As the cold air moves in, forecasters say there’s a slim chance of soft hail or snowflake-like precipitation early Friday morning. Gauteng Weather, a trusted local source, posted on X that this system may produce soft hail that resembles snowflakes in areas of higher elevation.
While this may not be a full snowstorm, it could still create short-lived snow-like conditions in places like the southern parts of Johannesburg or near Suikerbosrand.
Could It Really Snow in Gauteng?
Technically, yes—but it’s complicated.
Gauteng is located at a high altitude, with Johannesburg sitting around 1,750 meters above sea level. This makes snowfall possible, but not common. For snow to fall and stick to the ground, two things are needed: very cold air and enough moisture in the atmosphere. While the current system provides both, the freezing level is still expected to stay above the highest ground in the province.
This means that while snow in Gauteng could occur in the form of flurries or soft hail, it’s unlikely to settle or create visible snow cover on the ground. Still, residents may catch a glimpse of light flakes or icy particles falling—especially early in the day.
When Was the Last Snow in Gauteng?
Snow in Gauteng is rare, but it has happened. The most recent confirmed snowfall occurred in July 2023, when residents in parts of Johannesburg reported light snow flurries. Before that, snow was recorded in some parts of the province during past cold fronts, though often briefly and without significant accumulation.
These rare moments often become social media sensations, as locals share photos and videos of snowy gardens, rooftops, or soft hail that mimics snow.
What’s the Forecast for the Weekend?
The current cold front is expected to move out by midday Friday, but not before temperatures drop significantly in the morning. Here’s what to expect in Gauteng over the next few days:
- Friday: Cold and cloudy with possible soft hail or snowflake-like showers in the morning. Temperatures ranging from 4°C to 13°C.
- Saturday: Partly cloudy with sunshine in the afternoon. Daytime highs near 17°C in Johannesburg and 20°C in Pretoria.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny and slightly warmer.
While Friday morning brings the best chance for snow in Gauteng, conditions will gradually improve as the weekend progresses.
What Residents Should Do
Even if snow doesn’t settle, the combination of cold, wind, and rain can still make conditions challenging—especially for those commuting early in the morning.
Here are a few tips to stay safe and comfortable:
- Dress in layers to keep warm.
- Drive with caution, especially on wet roads.
- Protect the elderly, children, and pets from extreme cold.
- Stay updated with reliable weather sources like SAWS or Gauteng Weather.
READ MORE: Snow in Gauteng This Week? Experts Predict Sleet and Snow as Temperatures Drop
What’s the Likelihood of More Snow This Winter?
The possibility of snow in Gauteng may be slim today, but winter is far from over. July is typically the coldest month in South Africa, and additional cold fronts are expected before spring arrives. This means more chances, however small, for snow-like weather to return before the season ends.
Keeping an eye on trusted weather services is key, as conditions can change quickly. In the meantime, today’s chilly forecast is a reminder that winter in Gauteng still holds a few surprises.
