Looking for snow? Here’s where snow is expected now in SA

Snow hunters should definitely check this out: Up to 20cm of snow is expected to make landfall in parts of South Africa! Here’s where…

Snowfall of between 5- 20cm is expected to make landfall on Tuesday and into Wednesday in parts of South Africa.

GRAB THE FAMILY AND GO HUNTING FOR SNOW!

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned that disruptive snow is expected on Tuesday that could result in icy and slippery roads, traffic disruptions, and dangerous driving conditions.

“As the upper-air cut-off low intensifies, snowfall (as much as 20-30 cm depth) of a more significant and disruptive nature should be anticipated over the eastern peaks of the Lesotho Drakensberg mountains, as well as higher peaks of the Eastern Cape, in the Barkly East and Tiffindell areas on Monday night. A yellow level 5 warning is suggested for the disruptive snowfalls.”

SAWS

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.

ALSO READ: Weather update: SNOW, cold and rain forecast for parts of SA

THUNDERSNOW EXPECTED ON TUESDAY

According to VoxWeather, thundersnow is also possible on Monday into Tuesday over the Southern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal & Lesotho (Thundersnow – a thunderstorm that produces snow instead of rain).”

THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE SNOW

These areas will be affected:

• Winterberg Mountain Range
• Sneeuberg Mountain Range
• South Drakenberg Mountain Range
• Swartberg Mountain Range
• Sutherland
• Beaufort West
• Graaff-Reinet
• Nieu-Bethesda
• Willowmore
• Uniondale
• Kokstad
• Underberg
• Harrismith
• Barkly East
• Molteno

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) previously advised the public and small stock farmers that loss of vulnerable livestock and crops can be expected in these weather conditions.

SMALL STOCK FARMERS SHOULD PROVIDE SHELTER FOR VULNERABLE LIVESTOCK

“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

HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE PLACES IN SA TO GO HUNT FOR SNOWFALL IN AUGUST:

• Underberg: Snow falls 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 it, is in August. Situated a mere 40kms from Underberg, Sani Pass is a great 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