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
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Prepare for winter: South African farmers warned of changing weather patterns
Winter planting begins under uncertain skies as farmers brace for shifting rainfall patterns and rising fire risks across South Africa. The Department of Agriculture has issued a seasonal advisory warning South African farmers to prepare for a winter season marked by shifting rainfall patterns, drying veld, and increased fire risks, even as dam levels remain relatively high across the country. According to the Seasonal Climate Watch issued by the South African Weather Service on June 4, above-normal rainfall is expected in the south-western parts and eastern coastal areas during mid-winter. However, during late winter and early spring, only the eastern coastal areas may still receive above-normal rainfall, while the outlook for the south-western regions shifts to below-normal. In light of this, the Department advises farmers in winter crop regions to proceed carefully. 'Winter crop farmers are advised to wait for sufficient moisture before planting and stay within the normal planting window,' said Moses Rannditsheni, Director of Communication Services. 'In areas where above-normal rainfall is anticipated, it should be noted that not all areas might receive the anticipated above-normal rainfall that is well distributed. Therefore, caution should be exercised.'
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
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: 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 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
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Power system constrained but stable, despite cold front, Eskom
The cold weather is expected to force residents to use their heating appliances in abundance. Eskom says the power system remains stable and continues to demonstrate resilience despite the cold front sweeping across the country. The South African Weather Service (Saws) issued two orange and six yellow level warnings for several parts of the country, with warnings of very cold, wet and windy conditions, including snow for several parts of the country. Load shedding The cold weather is expected to force residents to use their heating appliances in abundance to keep warm, putting pressure on the electricity grid. However, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said there are no plans for load shedding. 'While system constraints are occasionally experienced, adequate emergency reserves are in place and are being strategically deployed to support demand during the morning and evening peak periods, particularly as the country prepares for a forecasted cold spell in the coming week'. ALSO READ: Snow, disruptive rain and severe thunderstorms to sweep across country Winter outlook Mokwena said Eskom's winter Outlook, published on 5 May 2025, covering the period ending 31 August 2025, remains valid. 'It indicates that load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to stage 2'. 'While load shedding remains suspended and electricity demand continues to rise during the winter period, Eskom urges the public to avoid illegal connections and energy theft. These activities often lead to transformer overloads, equipment failures, and in some cases, explosions and extended outages, prompting the need for load reduction to protect the network,' Mokwena said. Maintenance Mokwena said Eskom is making steady progress as it moves beyond the peak maintenance season, with the Planned Capability Loss Factor (PCLF) having decreased from an average of 4 883MW to average of 4 035MW. 'As a result, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has been recovering as expected, now fluctuating between 61% and 64% since Monday. Month-to-date, the EAF stands at 60.42%, reflecting the successful return of additional generation units from planned maintenance'. Diesel usage Mokwena said the Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) load factor decreased to 6.31% this week, compared to 12.70% in the previous week (23 to 29 May 2025). 'This decline indicates reduced reliance on diesel'. Mokwena said diesel usage is expected to decline further as more units return from long-term repairs and maintenance activities are reduced, increasing available generation capacity. NOW READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here's how many days of load shedding to expect in SA
