Latest news with #MichelleduPlessis
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Snow hunters – Here's where to see snow this weekend
Snow hunters – Here's where to see snow this weekend Snow hunters across South Africa are on high alert as weather models indicate more than 50cm of snow could blanket parts of the country in the coming days, making this one of the most widespread winter events in years. A powerful cold front will strike the Western Cape early Saturday, spreading bitterly cold, wet and windy weather across the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and beyond — with snow expected in eight of the nine provinces, including parts of Pretoria and the southern Highveld of Gauteng by Monday, depending on model shifts. According to Vox Weather's Michelle du Plessis, the system will intensify as it develops into a cut-off low, dragging freezing levels lower and setting the stage for heavy snow over mountain ranges, including the Drakensberg, Southern Lesotho, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where the deepest accumulations are expected. With social media already buzzing among snow hunters eager to witness the event, forecasters warn that travel conditions could become hazardous, especially on mountain passes and rural roads. Authorities urge South Africans to prepare for widespread frost, strong winds, and icy conditions into next week, and to closely monitor updates as forecasts continue to evolve. Here is where you will find snow: In the Western Cape: Matroosberg, Cederberg, Swartberg In the Northern Cape: Nuweveld and Roggeveld mountain including the town of Sutherland, the Great Karoo The high-lying areas in the Cape provinces: around Fraserburg, Loxton, Murraysburg, Richmond, Noupoort, Colesberg, Burgersdorp, Aliwal North, Molteno and surroundings. Lesotho could experience snow depths exceeding 50cm on Monday, particularly around Afri Ski, and in the Eastern Cape may expect between 50cm of snow over the southern Drakensberg and nearby towns. Including Barkly East. A mixture of snow/ ice rain and sleet is now possible over southern and eastern Free State: Bethlehem, Warden, Heilbron, Reitz, Memel, Reddersburg, Trompsburg and surrounding towns. It includes north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, around Postmasburg and Kuruman. Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging coastal winds from Saldanha Bay to Cape Agulhas, and icy road conditions are expected across several interior districts, especially around Beaufort West. With snowfall already likely over Lesotho and nearby areas by Sunday and heavier falls predicted through next week, South Africans are advised to monitor updates closely and prepare for travel disruptions, icy roads, and sudden temperature drops. Also read: Snow expected in Gauteng next week Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. 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
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Snow expected in most of SA's provinces over the weekend
Snow expected in most of SA's provinces over the weekend Eight out of nine provinces in South Africa are expected to experience snow over the weekend and into next week. Pretoria Rekord reports that, according to Vox Weather forecaster Michelle du Plessis, the strong cold front will arrive in the Cape early on Saturday morning, bringing heavy rain to the western parts of the Western Cape, as well as cold, wet and windy weather across much of the Cape provinces. 'This front is supported by a strong upper-air trough, helping to deepen the system. 'Then on Monday, a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to develop behind the front, with freezing levels dropping significantly across the country and snow expected to fall in eight of South Africa's nine provinces.' Du Plessis says the first light snow is expected late on Saturday and overnight into Sunday morning around the Cederberg mountains in the Western Cape, as well as the Nuweveld and Roggeveld mountains in the Northern Cape. Heavier snow is already likely by this stage in Lesotho. Here is what to expect on these days in terms of snowfall: Sunday: June 8 Light snow will spread over the high-lying regions in the Karoo — including around Loxton, Nieu-Bethesda and Noupoort. Du Plessis adds that all models indicate the likelihood of snow over the northern highlands of the Eastern Cape, but they differ in their expected snowfall amounts. 'The GFS model suggests heavier snow, while the ECMWF shows significantly less. More snow is likely in Lesotho.' Monday: June 9: As the cut-off low continues to develop and freezing levels drop further, light snow remains a possibility over the southern parts of Gauteng and the southern Highveld of Mpumalanga. However, she adds that at this stage, only the ECMWF model is showing snowfall over Gauteng and the Highveld of Mpumalanga. 'As we've seen many times before, cut-off lows are unpredictable, and the forecast can change quickly from day to day. 'This means snowfall over Gauteng and nearby areas is still highly uncertain, and it may disappear from the forecast entirely or shift to a chance of freezing rain instead.' Furthermore, Du Plessis says more snow is expected in Lesotho and in regions bordering Lesotho (Free State, KZN and the Southern Drakensberg), with heavy snow likely over the mountains in the western parts of KZN. 'A very light dusting of snow is possible over the eastern regions of the Free State.' Provinces where snow is expected or possible: Western Cape` Cederberg mountains (light snow Saturday night into Sunday) Northern Cape Nuweveld and Roggeveld mountains (light snow late Saturday into Sunday) Karoo highlands around Loxton Eastern Cape Barkly East, Southern Drakensberg, Nieu-Bethesda, Noupoort (light to heavy snow likely) Free State Eastern regions (very light dusting possible) Areas bordering Lesotho KZN Underberg and western mountainous areas (heavy snow expected) Gauteng Southern parts (light snow possible Monday – model-dependent and uncertain) Mpumalanga Southern Highveld (light snow possible Monday – also model-dependent) Lesotho (not in South Africa but included in the context) Heavy snow expected around Sani Pass and high mountains Provinces not expected to see snow: Limpopo: No snow mentioned or expected in this province. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Snow expected in most of SA's provinces
Snow expected in most of SA's provinces – latest update Eight out of nine provinces in South Africa are expected to experience snow over the weekend and into next week. Vox Weather forecaster Michelle du Plessis, the strong cold front will arrive in the Cape early on Saturday morning, bringing heavy rain to the western parts of the Western Cape, as well as cold, wet, and windy weather across much of the Cape Provinces. 'This front is supported by a strong upper-air trough, helping to deepen the system. 'Then on Monday, a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to develop behind the front, with freezing levels dropping significantly across the country and snow expected to fall in eight of South Africa's nine provinces.' Du Plessis said the first light snow is expected late on Saturday and overnight into Sunday morning around the Cederberg mountains in the Western Cape, as well as the Nuweveld and Roggeveld mountains in the Northern Cape. Heavier snow is already likely by this stage in Lesotho. Here is what to expect on these days in terms of snowfall: Sunday: June 8 Light snow will spread over the high-lying regions in the Karoo — including around Loxton, Nieu-Bethesda, Noupoort. Du Plessis added that all models indicate the likelihood of snow over the northern highlands of the Eastern Cape, but they differ in their expected snowfall amounts. 'The GFS model suggests heavier snow, while the ECMWF shows significantly less. More snow is likely in Lesotho.' Monday June 9: As the cut-off low continues to develop and freezing levels drop further, light snow remains a possibility over the southern parts of Gauteng and the southern Highveld of Mpumalanga. However, she added that at this stage, only the ECMWF model is showing snowfall over Gauteng and the Highveld of Mpumalanga. 'As we've seen many times before, cut-off lows are unpredictable, and the forecast can change quickly from day to day. 'This means snowfall over Gauteng and nearby areas is still highly uncertain, and it may disappear from the forecast entirely or shift to a chance of freezing rain instead.' Furthermore, Du Plessis said more snow is expected in Lesotho and in regions bordering Lesotho (Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Southern Drakensberg), with heavy snow likely over the mountains in the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal. 'A very light dusting of snow is possible over the eastern regions of the Free State.' Provinces where snow is expected or possible: Western Cape` Cederberg mountains (light snow Saturday night into Sunday) Northern Cape Nuweveld and Roggeveld mountains (light snow late Saturday into Sunday) Karoo highlands around Loxton Eastern Cape Barkly East, Southern Drakensberg, Nieu-Bethesda, Noupoort (light to heavy snow likely) Free State Eastern regions (very light dusting possible) Areas bordering Lesotho KwaZulu-Natal Underberg and western mountainous areas (heavy snow expected) Gauteng Southern parts (light snow possible Monday – model-dependent and uncertain) Mpumalanga Southern Highveld (light snow possible Monday – also model-dependent) Lesotho (not a South African province but included in the context) Heavy snow expected around Sani Pass and high mountains Province NOT expected to see snow: Limpopo – No snow mentioned or expected in this province. Also read: Snow expected in Gauteng next week Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
24-05-2025
- The South African
Safari Guide of the Year Awards spotlights South Africa's best
The Safari Guide of the Year Awards (SGOTY) is back, shining a spotlight on Southern Africa's most outstanding field guides. This prestigious event was founded in 2011 by independent safari guide Mike Karantonis in partnership with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA). It honours the passion, skill, and dedication of those who bring the wild to life for visitors. 'For too long, field guiding was undervalued,' says Michelle du Plessis, FGASA's Managing Director. 'SGOTY celebrates guides who have pushed boundaries, expanded their knowledge, and mastered their craft.' This year's competition will take place from 19 to 22 June at the stunning Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape's Kariega River Valley. The top five finalists will face a series of thrilling challenges designed to test every aspect of their expertise. The challenges include game drives, bush walks, and guided photographic experiences, according to African Safaris Int. They will identify birds through slides and sounds, recognise tracks and signs, handle rifles with advanced skill, tell stories, and demonstrate hosting and hospitality. These tasks combine to showcase the all-around excellence required to be a top safari guide. The finalists this year are: Cameron Schmidt from Pumba Private Game Reserve Jason Gipson from Lion Sands Game Reserve Kalie Otimile representing Tswalu Kalahari Reserve Matthew Derry of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Megan Heramb-Smith, a freelance guide and partner at The Great Outdoors To qualify, each guide needed at least five years' experience, specific qualifications, and FGASA membership. A rigorous selection process, including interviews and evaluations, narrowed the field to these five exceptional individuals. A panel of seasoned judges, including Karantonis and du Plessis, will assess the safari guide finalists during the event. Mike Karantonis explains, 'This competition is more than just an award. It celebrates the hard work and commitment that guides bring to their craft. These guides don't just lead safaris; they create unforgettable experiences. They help boost South Africa's global appeal, encourage return tourism, and support job creation and skills development.' The SGOTY Awards aim to raise the profile and standards of field guiding in Southern Africa. Exceptional guiding plays a vital role in conservation, tourism, and cultural exchange. It connects visitors to the wild in ways that inspire respect and wonder. For South Africans, this event is a proud reminder of the world-class talent right here in our backyard. As the finalists prepare to showcase their skills in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the nation watches eagerly. 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 Citizen
19-05-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Severe weather ahead: Heavy rains, gale-force winds, icy cold and plenty of snow across SA
The full brunt of winter is expected to arrive tomorrow. See which areas and provinces will be most affected. Snow alert: Widespread snowfall is expected in four provinces this week. Picture: iiStock A severe cold front will sweep across the country from tomorrow (20 May), bringing snow and a chilly drop in temperatures in four provinces this week. The South African Weather Services (Saws) has issued a warning advisory of very cold weather conditions expected to continue into Wednesday this week. Severe cold front: Four SA provinces in the 'snow zone' The Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and Lesotho are in the 'snow zone' with some areas expected to experience heavier snowfall than others. According to Vox Weather, the 'well-developed' cold front will bring heavy rain, snow over mountains and strong winds (up to 90km/h). 'A strong cold front is set to bring scattered to widespread showers and rain across the Western Cape and parts of the Northern and Eastern Cape from Tuesday into Wednesday,' the forecaster said. Expect freezing cold, wet conditions Rainfall totals of 20-30mm are expected in many areas, with 50-70mm likely over mountainous regions, such as the Cape Winelands, western Overberg, Cape Metropole and West Coast, increasing the risk of localised flooding. 'Freezing levels are expected to significantly drop with light snow possible late on Tuesday over the mountains of the Western Cape, the Nuweveld and Roggeveld mountains in the Karoo, spreading to the northern high grounds of the Eastern Cape, southern Drakensberg (15cm +) and Lesotho (10cm +) overnight into Wednesday morning,' said Vox Weather meteorologist Michelle du Plessis. 'Weather models are currently showing only light snow likely at the Matroosberg Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, but keep in mind that heavy rain is also expected in the Western Cape; therefore, snow might quickly melt,' Du Plessis warned. Brace for snow and icy cold: These areas will be affected According to Snow Report, the high peaks around regular snow areas such as Franschhoek, Paarl, Tulbagh, Worcester, De Doorns, Ceres, the Cederberg, the Koue Bokkeveld, Montagu, Robertson, Swellendam and the Swartberg range around Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn and De Rust in the Western Cape, as well as Uniondale, are currently in the snow zone. Very cold conditions, heavy rainfall, snowfalls, strong to gale-force winds and very rough seas can be expected. In the Northern Cape the towns of Sutherland, Calvinia and Noupoort are on the snow radar. In the Eastern Cape the high ground around Graaff-Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda, Cradock, Hogsback, Queenstown, Molteno, Dordrecht, Lady Grey, Barkly East and Rhodes may get some snowfall. The forecaster's prediction for a possible dusting of snow in the Free State includes high-ground in areas such as Trompsburg, Zastron, Thaba Nchu, Ficksburg, Fouriesburg and Clarens. Yellow Level 2 warning: Strong to gale-force winds The SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for wind on Tuesday. 'A cold front is expected to result in strong to gale-force north-westerly to westerly winds over the interior of the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and Central Karoo of the Western Cape on Tuesday,' it said. This weather can lead to localised damage to formal and informal settlements. 'Expect longer travel times due to localised problems for high-sided vehicles, especially on the N1. 'Fallen trees may affect transport routes, properties and localised power and communication interruptions,' Saws added. Gauteng weather alert Meanwhile, emergency services in Tshwane and Johannesburg said they will be on high alert amid the incoming cold, wet weather. This as Gauteng Weather warned residents to brace for the province's first cold snap from Wednesday, with minimum temperatures plummeting to 2°C in Johannesburg and 4°C in Pretoria.
