Snow, Rain & Thunderstorms to Hit SA: SAWS Issues Weather Warnings Across the Country

Severe weather to disrupt parts of South Africa as snow, rain, and thunderstorms intensify — SAWS issues orange and yellow alerts for multiple provinces.

Snow, Rain & Thunderstorms to Hit SA: SAWS Issues Weather Warnings Across the Country

South Africans are bracing for a fierce blast of winter as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a flurry of orange and yellow weather warnings across the country. From icy roads and pass closures to potential flooding and severe thunderstorms, the country faces a dramatic turn in weather as a powerful cut-off low sweeps across the landscape, leaving snowfall and cold chaos in its wake.

Snowfall Returns — A Rare Gauteng Glimpse and Widespread Coverage Elsewhere

While Gauteng residents watched the skies with hope — and perhaps a hint of nostalgia — actual snowfall graced other regions more dramatically. Snow blanketed parts of the Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal, with reports of thick flakes and icy conditions turning towns into wintry scenes reminiscent of Christmas cards.

The last confirmed snowfall in Johannesburg was nearly two years ago on July 10, 2023. While 2025 may yet surprise Gauteng with some snow, for now, it’s the mountainous and high-lying regions basking in this frosty phenomenon.

Severe Warnings Issued: What You Need to Know

Orange Level 6 Warning – Eastern Cape:

• Regions affected: Amathole, OR Tambo Districts, and Buffalo City Metro
• Hazards: Disruptive rain leading to flooding of settlements, roads, and potential danger to life.

Orange Level 5 Warning – Eastern Cape:

• Regions affected: Alfred Nzo District, Nelson Mandela Bay, Makana, Ndlambe, Sundays River Valley, Kouga, and Koukamma
• Hazards: Disruptive rain, risk to life, displacement of people, and potential mudslides.

Yellow Level 6 Warning – Eastern Cape:

• Regions affected: Joe Gqabi District, Matatiele, and Enoch Mgijima (Molteno)
• Hazards: Disruptive snow could cut off communities and close major passes.

Yellow Level 2 Warning – Eastern Cape:

• Regions affected: Chris Hani District (including Graaff-Reinet, Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlati, Umzimvubu)
• Hazards: Traffic disruptions, loss of livestock, and icy roads.

Yellow Level 2 Warning – Rain & Thunderstorms:

• Rain: Joe Gqabi and Chris Hani Districts, Blue Crane Route and Dr Beyers Naude
• Thunderstorms: Southern and eastern KwaZulu-Natal
• Hazards: Flooding, damaging winds, and large hail.

Yellow Level 2 Warning – Damaging Waves:

• Regions affected: Between Saldanha Bay and Plettenberg Bay
• Hazards: Difficult navigation at sea due to rough, high waves.

🌬️ What’s Behind the Weather Mayhem?

A cut-off low — a cold-core low-pressure system — is driving the disruption, intensified by a high-pressure system ridging behind it. SAWS warns that this system is sweeping eastward and will exit the country by Tuesday, June 10th, but not before leaving a trail of weather-related impacts in its path.

Who Should Be Most Concerned?

• Motorists: Be alert for icy roads, poor visibility, and road closures.
• Small-scale Farmers: Protect livestock from bitter cold and snowy conditions.
• Coastal Operators: Prepare for rough seas and dangerous wave activity.
• Residents in Low-Lying Areas: Stay informed on flood risks.

Areas Affected Across SA:

• Eastern Cape: Heavily affected with multiple alerts for rain and snow.
• Free State: Southern and eastern areas experiencing wet and windy conditions.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Thunderstorms and damaging winds in the southern and eastern parts.
• Western Cape & Northern Cape: Cold and windy interior regions under advisory.
• Gauteng: Cold and wet, though snow remains a possibility, it hasn’t been confirmed.

SAWS Advisory for June 10, 2025

As the cut-off system exits through the south-east, South Africans are urged to remain vigilant. The advisory includes:

• Extremely cold temperatures over interior regions.
• Very rough seas expected along the south coast.
• Continued threat of flooding and road disruptions.

Stay Safe and Informed

SAWS encourages residents to keep up with updates via their official channels and to follow all emergency directives. With winter clearly staking its claim early this year, preparedness is essential — from warm clothing and backup power to travel safety and livestock protection.

Also read: Cold, Wet Weather and Icy Temperatures Sweep Across South Africa: What to Expect