Brrrr! Yes, indeed, snow has been confirmed in some parts of the country. Take a look at these snowy areas in South Africa today…
Snowfall was confirmed in several areas of South Africa in the early hours of Sunday, and VERY cold weather is expected.
JUST LOOK AT THESE VIDEOS OF THE SNOW CONFIRMED IN PARTS OF SA
This comes from an intense cold front that is in full swing on Sunday. The intense cold front will result in very cold, wet and windy conditions over South Africa.
These conditions reached the Sneeuberg and Winterberg in the Eastern Cape by Saturday afternoon.
Are you in the area where snow is expected? We would love to see your photos. Please email your photos to Corne@thesouthafrican.com – remember to include the area and your details.
ICY WEATHER PREDICTED, INCLUDING SNOW
According to VoxWeather, this is the third cold front of the weekend. The second cold front made landfall on Friday morning and brought scattered showers and COLD conditions to the Western and Southern Cape.
ALSO READ: It’s about to get cold! ‘Sub-zero temps’ for eight provinces
THE THIRD COLD FRONT WILL MAKE LANDFALL ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON
“Together with a surface trough extending over the west, showers are expected to continue throughout Saturday into Sunday. Models are indicating more than 50mm of rain expected to fall over parts of the Winelands and mountainous areas of the Western Cape.”
VoxWeather
VoxWeather said much colder conditions are spreading across the country this weekend, with a significant drop in temperature reaching Gauteng on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned that snowfall is also possible over the high-lying areas of the Cape Provinces.
SNOW IS ALSO EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND
“SNOW is also expected this weekend over the mountainous areas of the Western, Eastern Cape, in Sutherland and Lesotho.”
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) advised the public and small stock farmers that loss of vulnerable livestock and crops can be expected due to the combination of very cold, windy, and wet conditions.
“The weak and frail may also be vulnerable since their bodies won’t be able to retain their heat as easily.”
“Small stock farmers should provide shelter for their vulnerable livestock and cover sensitive crops. Shelter, soup and blankets should be provided to the weak and frail where possible.”
SAWS
AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE:
- Hantam
- Calvinia
- Karoo Hoogland
- Sutherland
- Beaufort West
- Witzenberg
- Ceres
- Laingsburg
- Prince Albert
HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE PLACES IN SA TO GO HUNT FOR SNOW IN AUGUST:
- Underberg: Snowfalls in the Underberg can occur anywhere from May through to October. The highest recorded snowfall in the area and, therefore, possibly the best time to go in search of snow is in August. Situated a mere 40kms from Underberg, Sani Pass is a great snow spot to explore, with the first winter snowfall having fallen there in late May this year. Be advised though, that you need a 4 x 4 to drive up the pass.
- Golden Gate: The winter months in Golden Gate are very cold and temperatures can plummet to between -9 and -15°C. Snow is no stranger to this area.
- Midlands: Winter in the Natal Midlands is cool and dry, with occasional snow and frost and average temperatures of 6°C. August 2021 saw the KZN Midlands transformed into a white-blanketed wonderland along with other large parts of SA previously untouched by it.
By: Corné van Zyl
