A powerful cold front has brought cold, wet weather and icy temperatures across large parts of South Africa, leaving residents bracing for a week of bone-chilling conditions, snow, and heavy rainfall. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued alerts for most provinces, warning of a significant drop in temperatures and potential disruptions.
Weather System Impacting Every Province Except Limpopo
The cold front, which began sweeping over the Western Cape on Saturday, 8 June 2025, has since moved inland. The system is now affecting nearly all provinces, excluding Limpopo, and is bringing extreme cold, wet conditions, and snowfall in higher-altitude areas.
“A cut-off low pressure system develops… causing rain and showers over the central, eastern and southern parts of the country, but significant and heavy rainfall is expected over the Eastern Cape for Monday and Tuesday,” said SAWS Senior Forecaster Kate Turner in a recent media briefing.
The Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal are all in the path of this intense weather pattern, with temperatures plummeting below 10°C in many locations and widespread frost expected mid-week.
Snowfall and Rainfall Expected in Unusual Areas
The most notable aspect of this weather event is the unusually widespread snowfall and persistent rainfall across both coastal and inland regions.
Light snow has already dusted parts of the Cederberg mountains in the Western Cape, with forecasts indicating heavier snowfalls in the northern highlands of the Eastern Cape and even into the southern parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
“Snow, rain and icy winds are set to sweep across South Africa this weekend… mountain passes may be closed and conditions could change fast,” warned SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela.
Cold Weather Safety and Travel Warnings
As temperatures drop, the risk to vulnerable communities increases. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has activated local disaster response plans in affected areas.
Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa urged municipalities to remain on high alert:
“We are urging all local governments to be on high alert… this cold front poses serious risks, particularly to vulnerable communities.”
City authorities, such as the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, have also issued guidance to residents to avoid unnecessary travel, secure homes against flooding, and prepare emergency supplies. So far, no major incidents have been reported, though roads and mountain passes remain under close watch.
What Gauteng Residents Should Expect
While Gauteng is not experiencing the most severe snowfall, the province will not be spared the cold, wet weather and icy temperatures. Residents should expect:
- Daytime temperatures below 10°C
- Rain showers through early to mid-week
- Frost and freezing overnight lows
- Disrupted transport in high-lying areas
For those commuting or travelling across provinces, regular updates from SAWS and local authorities are strongly advised.
Health Precautions and Community Support
With a spike in respiratory infections already noted in several provinces, public health officials are encouraging residents to stay warm, wear layered clothing, and take extra precautions with the elderly, children, and those living in informal settlements.
Farmers in the Free State, Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga are also advised to move livestock to sheltered areas and provide additional feed and water. Agricultural extension officers have been deployed to assist with severe weather resilience planning.
The current surge of cold, wet weather and icy temperatures serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of South Africa’s winter systems. Staying informed, preparing for potential disruptions, and looking out for those most at risk are essential steps for navigating the week ahead safely.
For the latest updates, visit the SA Weather Service for regional developments and support resources.
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