Snow and freezing conditions were reported across parts of the country on Tuesday, with provinces from the Eastern Cape to Mpumalanga affected and Gauteng experiencing unusually low maximum temperatures, the government said on Tuesday morning.
What is happening now
Most of South Africa is experiencing cold, wet and windy conditions. Snowfall has been reported in mountainous areas of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu‑Natal, Mpumalanga and the Free State, while Gauteng recorded some of its lowest maximum temperatures in years, the update said.
| Time (Tuesday) | Update |
|---|---|
| 11:30 | Snowfall reported in three provinces; parents in affected areas warned about sending children to school. |
| 11:20 | N3: overcast from Cedara towards Midway; drizzle from Harrismith towards Van Reenen. N11 Amajuba Pass open both directions. Snow clearing towards Memel; Bothas Pass to Memel clear. |
| 10:10 | KZN: R56 Kokstad towards Matatiele open but wet with continuous rainfall. |
| 09:00 | KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements said road teams are monitoring major routes and motorists should exercise extreme caution. |
| 08:20 | Gauteng experiencing the worst of the cold snap with multi‑year low maximums and strong winds. |
Roads and travel
Authorities report slippery and wet surfaces on key routes. In KwaZulu‑Natal, the Road Traffic Inspectorate and grader operators are actively monitoring major routes that could receive further snowfall. Drivers have been advised to reduce speed and keep a safe following distance. Specific updates include:
- N3 — overcast between Cedara and Midway; drizzle between Harrismith and Van Reenen.
- N11 Amajuba Pass — open in both directions at the time of the report.
- R56 (Kokstad towards Matatiele) — open but wet, with continuous rainfall recorded.
- Snow was reported clearing towards Memel; Bothas Pass to Memel was reported clear.
Advice for the public
The national briefing urged people in affected areas to keep warm, stay safe and exercise caution when travelling. Practical steps to reduce risk include layering clothing, checking conditions before setting out, leaving extra time for journeys, and ensuring vehicles are equipped for wet and icy conditions.
Parents in areas badly affected by snow were specifically warned to consider safety when deciding whether to send children to school, as local conditions may change rapidly.
Context and likely consequences
The government forecast cloudiness with cool to cold conditions over central and eastern parts of the country, and showers and rain covering between 30% and 60% of areas — increasing to about 80% over some south‑eastern and eastern regions. Snow is expected in mountainous terrain across several provinces, which can disrupt transport, close mountain passes temporarily and affect local services.
Where snow and ice settle on roads, even well‑maintained highways can become hazardous. The ongoing wet conditions also increase the risk of reduced visibility and aquaplaning on faster routes. Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, and to follow any road signage or instructions from traffic officials.
How to prepare
- Check weather and road updates before travelling and allow additional travel time.
- Drive slowly, keep a greater distance from the vehicle ahead and use dipped headlights in poor visibility.
- Keep warm clothing, a charged phone and emergency supplies in your vehicle.
- Parents should confirm school arrangements locally if conditions are poor.
Authorities will continue to monitor conditions and issue updates. Residents in affected provinces should follow official channels for road and weather bulletins and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
