Where ‘rare' May SNOWFALL likely to occur this week

The South African

20-05-2025

The South African Weather Service has not ruled out a 'rare' May snowfall in the Western Cape this week. The first of two winter cold fronts already brushed the Western Cape on Monday 19 May 2025. Bringing with it increased winds, moderate rain and cold temperatures.
Today (Tuesday 20 May 2025), however, sees the second and more intense weather system make landfall in the Western Cape. And it is due to this combination of fronts, one after another, that could make unseasonable May snowfall a reality. Signalling a brief, magical interlude from the province's typically Mediterranean weather patterns … Say hello to cold front number two for the week, making landfall on Tuesday 20 May 2025. Image: SAWS
As The South African already reported this week, Tuesday sees rainfall predicted to reach 30 mm in parts of the Western Cape. And the SAWS also issued warnings for gale force winds (75 km/h) and rough seas (7m waves). Travel advisories for all motorists, particularly trucks and busses in crosswinds, have also been made. There is also potential of disruptive flooding in low-lying areas.
Beyond that, temperatures are expected to plummet throughout Tuesday, bringing forth the chance of May snowfall. Historically, Snow formation in the Western Cape typically requires two cold fronts moving in from the Atlantic Ocean to combine to strength … When temperatures are not cold enough from Antarctic winds, the precipitation will remain at rain. Image: File
Add a high-pressure system transporting cold air masses northward from the Antarctic and, voila, you've got the ingredients for May snowfall. While the chance of white is only likely in high-lying areas, SAWS does expect to see cold air masses meet moisture-laden air over the province's mountainous regions.
When this occurs, temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, and precipitation falls from the clouds as snow rather than rain. However, this will be rare because, historically, Western Cape snow falls from June to August, after a few cold fronts have left their mark. Even Table Mountain has enjoyed an occasional snowfall of late. However, this tends to occur later in the year. Image: Table Mountain Cableway on X
If you're hoping to catch the May snowfall, or any other white spells this winter, there are half-a-dozen reliable locations. First and foremost is the Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve in the Cederberg Mountains. The town of Sutherland regularly enjoys full whiteouts. Beyond Ceres, the Swartberg Mountain Range near Oudtshoorn, and parts of the Hex River Mountains, are also known for catching snowfalls.
Other notable snow regions include the Hottentots Holland Mountains (Villiersdorp and Franschhoek), as well as parts of the Klein Karoo. Occasionally the upper reaches of Table Mountain in Cape Town can receive a light dusting of snow if conditions are correct. If you catch any, send us pictures … HAVE YOU SEEN SNOW THIS WEEK? POST YOUR PICS HERE …
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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