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The Citizen
11 hours ago
- Climate
- 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
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Extreme winter weather expected to start this weekend
A particularly intense cut-off low system, associated with severe and extreme winter weather, is expected to affect South Africa in the coming days. It will persist until at least the middle of next week over the eastern provinces, said the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The weather service indicated that this system will begin affecting the Western and Northern Cape early on Saturday morning, June 7. 'By Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10, this 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. Consequently, farmers of small stock are strongly advised to implement appropriate measures to prevent stock losses due to exposure to bitter cold and wind,' the SAWS said on Thursday. The weather service has warned of snowfall over almost every province, with the exception of Limpopo. Some of these snowfalls will be disruptive, affecting traffic flow over mountain passes, for example, the N3 highway at Van Reenen's pass on Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10. 'Strong, damaging surface winds over large parts of the interior provinces from Sunday, leading to an elevated risk of wildfires, especially over the central and eastern interior, ahead of the cold change. These extreme conditions are expected to persist over some of the eastern provinces until Wednesday. 'Strong to near-gale force coastal winds and very rough seas from Friday along the south-west coast, spreading to the south and east coasts during Saturday, and lasting until at least Tuesday along the east coast,' it said. Heavy rainfall leading to localised flooding and infrastructure damage will be experienced over parts of the Eastern Cape coast and adjacent interior on Sunday, shifting to southern KwaZulu-Natal on Monday. As of Sunday, many provinces will experience bitterly cold daytime conditions, with maximum temperatures unlikely to exceed +10 C. These conditions will be exacerbated by strong, gusty winds. There is also a risk of severe thunderstorms; possibly associated with damaging hail and/or damaging winds over some provinces, including North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal during Monday and Tuesday. 'The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the expected weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required,' it said. Furthermore, intermediate updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms. – At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Colder weather expected next week
South Africans can brace themselves for cold weather conditions in the new week as two cold frontal systems are expected to develop from Monday until Friday. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the two cold frontal systems are expected to develop from 19 until May 23 with a high likelihood of disrupting the current mild to warm weather conditions that has been prevailing for some days. 'On Monday, May 19, a cold front will make landfall over the south-western parts of the country, resulting in wet, cold, and windy conditions over the western parts of the Western Cape. While this system will not be intense, it serves as a precursor to the more significant weather system that will follow the next day. 'On Tuesday, May 20, the above-mentioned weather conditions will spread to the east, affecting the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape,' the weather service said. This continued impact of the weather conditions will be due to a well-developed cold front, resulting in isolated to scattered showers and rain. Rainfall accumulations are expected to range between 15 to 25 mm, with a possibility of reaching 30 to 50 mm in mountainous areas. 'The persistent and continuous rainy conditions may lead to localised floods, particularly in areas with poor drainage and low-lying regions. Strong and gusty westerly to north-westerly winds, with wind speeds averaging between 55 and 65 km/h, are expected across the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and the Eastern Cape more especially over the interior. 'Possible impacts might result in outdoor activities being disrupted with a high likelihood of localised damage to infrastructure, uprooted trees, increased traveling time on the roads, problems for high sided vehicles, especially along the national routes through the provinces as well as disruptions to power lines,' SAWS said. For maritime operators and coastal residents, westerly to north-westerly gale-force winds (65-75 km/h) are expected along the coastline, particularly from Alexander Bay through to Plettenberg Bay. These high winds will result in very rough seas on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to sea conditions that could impact small vessels and coastal activities. There is also a possibility of abnormal waves along the south-eastern coast, with wave heights of 5 metres to 6.5 metres, occasionally peaking at 7 metres, with a 10 seconds wave period on Wednesday. 'In addition, freezing levels are expected to drop considerably, creating conditions favourable for some snowfall over high-lying areas and a general drop in temperatures. These very cold conditions are expected to spread to the central and the eastern parts of the country from Tuesday late evening, persisting until Friday morning, 23 May 2025,' SAWS said. The weather service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required. Updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms. – At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
23-04-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Snow and heavy rainfall to batter parts of South Africa this week
South Africans can expect a dramatic shift in weather this week as a powerful cut-off low system moves across the country. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that the system will land over the western interior on Wednesday, 23 April, before slowly moving eastward and exiting the country by Saturday, 26 April. Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers will dominate the central and eastern parts of South Africa. 'Rainfall accumulations exceeding 50 mm in the eastern regions on Wednesday and Thursday' are highly likely, SAWS warned. The Free State and North West are particularly at risk, with severe thunderstorms capable of flooding roads and settlements, damaging property, and even endangering livestock. Alongside the heavy rain, South Africans will also witness snow in high-altitude regions. Snow is forecast for the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. This rare and dramatic winter phenomenon is expected to add to the week's extreme weather events. The SAWS has warned that 'there is also a distinct possibility of damaging hail occurring in association with the thunderstorms,' raising further concerns about travel and infrastructure safety. Temperatures will plummet across most provinces from Wednesday, with the mercury only beginning to recover gradually from Friday. The South African Weather Service will continue to provide regular updates in response to the rapidly developing situation. 'The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates, as required,' their statement read. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following updates on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service), and other official SAWS social media platforms to ensure their safety during this period of disruptive weather. 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
23-04-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
SA braces for heavy rain and cold weather conditions
Heavy rain and cold weather conditions are expected this week, as a cut-off low weather system sweeps across most parts of the country. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cut-off low system is expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa on Wednesday, April 23 , and move slowly eastwards, likely to exit the country by Saturday, April 26. 'Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country, with rainfall accumulations exceeding 50 mm in the eastern regions on Wednesday and Thursday. 'Severe thunderstorms associated with flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods, and livestock, especially over the Free State and North West. There is also a distinct possibility of damaging hail occurring in association with the thunderstorms,' the SAWS said in a statement. Snowfalls are also expected over the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape during this period. In addition, daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly across most parts of the country from Wednesday, with a gradual recovery from Friday onwards. The South African Weather Service said it will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates, as required. Intermediate updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms. – At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
