SA to expect cold, snow and rain over the weekend

Heads up South Africa: Snow, cold and rain is predicted for parts of the country this weekend. Here are the areas to be affected…

Get out those blankets, the cold weather is not over! Several parts of South Africa will most likely experience snowfall, cold weather, and thundershowers this coming weekend. 

WILL YOU BE AFFECTED BY THE EXPECTED SNOWY, COLD AND RAINY WEATHER?

Let’s look at the expected cold front. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cold front is expected to move in along the south-western coast of the country on Friday.

The Western Cape will not only be affected by the cold front but also by the thundershowers. 

According to reports on social media, rainfall started on Friday morning in Cape Town. 

A COLD FRONT MOVING IN ON FRIDAY

Light snowfall is expected over the following areas:

• Lesotho
• Eastern Cape
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Senqu
• Barkly East
• Matatiele
• Elundini
• Nqanqarhu
• Maclear
• Sakhisizwe
• Elliot

ALSO READ: SEE: Stunning pictures of snow in South Africa today

LIGHT SNOW IS EXPECTED OVER THE HIGH-LYING AREAS

Thundershowers are also expected over the central part of the country. 

See the image below: 

Meanwhile a warning were issued for damaging winds and waves on Friday for these areas:

WINDS:

• Ubuntu
• Victoria West
• Kopanong
• Fauresmith
• Renosterberg
• Petrusville
• Mohokare
• Aliwal North
• Emthanjeni
• De Aar
• Senqu
• Barkly East
• Sakhisizwe
• Elliot

WAVES:

• M_Cape Agulhas
• Cape
• M_Overstrand
• Hermanus
• M_Table Bay
• Table Bay

HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE PLACES IN SA TO GO HUNT FOR SNOW IN JULY:

• 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.

THIS COMES AFTER SNOW WAS CONFIRMED IN PARTS OF SA LAST MONTH

This comes after several parts of South Africa had snowfall last month. The following areas had confirmed snowfall:

Here is where snow was been confirmed last month:

• Lesotho
• Underberg
• Drakensberg Mountains
• Worcester mountains

FARMERS URGED TO SHELTER ANIMALS

It furthermore warned that the accumulation of snow might result in isolated loss of vulnerable livestock and snowmelt resulting in slippery driving conditions.

The SAWS urged small stock farmers are encouraged to shelter animals. Residents should dress warmly and avoid high mountain passes.

By: Corné van Zyl