Winter magic on the horizon: West Rand braces for icy blast and possible snowfall
Winter magic on the horizon: West Rand braces for icy blast and possible snowfall
The West Rand could once again be transformed into a winter wonderland this week, as a powerful cut-off low-pressure system prepares to sweep across South Africa, bringing with it the promise of snow, icy winds, and bone-chilling temperatures.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a nationwide alert, warning that a dramatic shift in weather is imminent.
'By Monday and Tuesday, this extensive and severe winter weather system will have shifted further east over South Africa, affecting the central and eastern provinces,' SAWS reported.
ALSO READ: Severe weather system to sweep across SA from this weekend
As dawn broke over the West Rand on Monday morning, 9 June, residents were greeted by overcast skies and scattered light rain – a subtle but unmistakable sign that winter has arrived in full force.
And if forecasts prove true, the coming days could see snowflakes fluttering across the highveld once more. The last time snow graced the West Rand was in July 2023, when families bundled up to play in the frosty streets. Children built snowmen, neighbours snapped selfies, and laughter echoed through ice-dusted suburbs – it was a day to remember.
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/news-headlines/local-news/2023/07/10/fun-no-longer-in-the-sun-but-in-the-snow/
This time around, snow is expected in nearly every province except Limpopo, with the potential to disrupt travel along key routes like the N3 at Van Reenen's Pass.
Inland areas will also face strong, potentially damaging winds from Sunday, raising the risk of runaway veld fires just ahead of the cold front.
ALSO READ: Avoid the dangers of hot weather
Daytime temperatures across most regions are set to plummet below 10°C, with biting wind chill making conditions feel even colder.
Small stock farmers are urged to take precautions to shield animals from exposure, particularly in the face of gale-force winds and icy rain.
The stormy weather is expected to continue along the southern and eastern coastline through to at least Tuesday, blanketing regions in cold, wet, and windy conditions.
Whether you're hoping for a snow day or planning to stay bundled indoors, this could be another season-defining moment for the West Rand.
Keep an eye on the skies – and an extra jersey close at hand.
For live weather updates and official alerts, follow SAWS on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service), or visit www.weathersa.co.za.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Level 9 weather warning: Why you should avoid travelling if you live in THIS province
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 9 warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms over the eastern half of the Eastern Cape with possible flooding over the OR Tambo District Municipality. A Level 9 warning is their top-tier alert for extreme weather, signifying severe risk to life, infrastructure, and mobility. This as the cut-off low system persists over the interior of the country. These weather conditions are expected to result in widespread flooding of roads and settlements and pose a danger to life due to fast flowing streams/deep water. 'Postpone travel' Widespread transport routes and travel services may be severely affected as well as prolonged disruption to essential services like water, electricity, communities and schools. The SAWS has strongly encouraged residents to look out for regular weather updates. 'Postpone travel arrangements until it is safer to travel. Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams. Monitor the weather conditions and if needs be, identify areas to safely store valuable items from flood water,' the SAWS urged. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
Strawberry Moon set to shine across South African skies
Attention stargazers – the 2025 Strawberry Moon is set to light up the South African night sky this evening, 10 June 2025. It's time to bring out your telescopes and cameras! To make this cosmic event even more special, the full moon will be the largest and lowest as it will ever be for the next 19 years. The Strawberry Moon will be visible to South Africans on Tuesday, 10 June and Wednesday, 11 June. According to the moon will reach its full phase at 9:43 AM tomorrow. The best time to view the moon will be at about 8:30 pm tonight, 10 June. However, the exact timing and position of the natural phenomenon will vary depending on your location. Last year, the moon was visible across the country, with many residents taking to social media to show off their stunning pictures. The Strawberry Moon is believed to have been named by Native American tribes. The name is not due to its pink hue but because the glowing moon signified the start of Strawberry season. The colour is related to how light shines as the moon passes through the thicker part of the atmosphere. The Strawberry Moon's sighting has coincided with multiple weather warnings across the country. The South African Weather Service issued a warning about the drop in temperatures. 'An extensive and severe winter weather system will have shifted further east over South Africa, affecting the central and eastern provinces. A significant and dramatic drop in daytime temperatures can be expected over all provinces, with the possible exception of Limpopo.' The weather service urged farmers to implement appropriate measures to prevent stock losses due to exposure to bitter cold and wind. It is expected that Gauteng and parts of Mpumalanga may experience light snowfall today, Tuesday, 10 June. However, the South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the expected weather systems. South Africans will be updated as required, regarding all weather conditions as the Strawberry Moon shines tonight. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
Five killed in Eastern Cape as snow, heavy rains persist
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has confirmed that five people have been killed in an accident on the N2. The accident happened between Braakfontein and Cintsa outside East London on Tuesday morning, 10 June, as heavy downpours and snowfall continue to wreak havoc in most parts of the province. Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said adverse weather conditions likely played a role as the driver claimed that the accident occurred after he swerved to avoid a tree that had fallen onto the road. Binqose said the driver lost control of the vehicle and the taxi overturned, resulting in the death of the three adult women and two men. 'The driver and one female passenger were taken to hospital with serious injuries. 'A case of culpable homicide has been opened for further investigations,' he added. The N2 has since been closed and motorists have been advised to use the Old Transkei Road. Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has increased the alert for disruptive rain in the Eastern Cape to an orange level nine. The weather service had already issued multiple warnings over the weekend for rain, damaging winds, and snow in most parts of the Eastern Cape. In the latest warning, the weather service said a cut-off low system is expected to persist over the interior of the country, resulting in heavy showers and thundershowers over the eastern half of the Eastern Cape with possible flooding over the OR Tambo District Municipality. Possible impacts include widespread flooding of roads and settlements, disruption to transport routes and travel services, as well as prolonged disruption to essential services such as water, electricity, and services to communities and schools. The warning comes as major roads and mountain passes were closed on Monday in the Eastern Cape due to snowfall. As of 11:00 on Tuesday, this is how things stand: The Penhoek pass on the N6 between Komani & Aliwal North is open for traffic. The Wapadsberg pass on the R61 between Graaff-Reinet & Cradock is open for traffic. The Lootsberg pass on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet & Middleburg is open for traffic. The Cala pass on the R410 has got multiple fallen trees in a couple of positions on the pass, however, authorities are busy clearing them for traffic flow. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
