Gauteng residents have been warned to prepare for a sharp cold front that will bring multi-year low maximum temperatures, strong winds and a chance of snowfall in parts of the province late Monday into Tuesday.
What forecasters are saying
The South African Weather Service (Saws) and private forecasters alerted communities after model runs suggested that southern and eastern parts of Gauteng could see wintry precipitation. Gauteng Weather flagged that some models indicate 10cm+ of snow in isolated places, while also cautioning about damaging winds reaching up to 45km/h.
"Alert: snow possible in parts of Gauteng, with some models forecasting 10cm+ in places. Area: Southern and Eastern Gauteng province, including Johannesburg," said Gauteng Weather.
SAWS has forecast cloudy, cold conditions with scattered showers and thundershowers, and said light snowfall is possible in southern areas during the evening. The agency highlighted that the most severe conditions are expected on Tuesday, when maximum temperatures will be at multi-year lows in the province.
Local forecasts at a glance
The following forecasts were published by local weather services and repeated in media briefings:
- Johannesburg: minimum 1°C, maximum 4°C
- Vereeniging: minimum 0°C, maximum 5°C
- Pretoria: minimum 3°C, maximum 7°C
| Location | Min (°C) | Max (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 1 | 4 |
| Vereeniging | 0 | 5 |
| Pretoria | 3 | 7 |
Where snow is most likely
Forecasters placed the highest probability of wintry conditions over the southern and eastern reaches of the province. While snowfall across central Gauteng remains unlikely, cold air moving in from the south could create light snow in sheltered higher spots and on elevated terrain.
Gauteng was last blanketed by measurable snow on 10 July 2023, when SAWS confirmed snow cover across several parts of the province. That event remains the benchmark for residents hoping to see more of the white stuff this week.
Wider national impacts and warnings
SAWS also issued a level 6 warning for disruptive snowfall in parts of the Eastern Cape, naming the Chris Hani District and the Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele municipalities. Heavy snow there is expected to continue into Tuesday, with freezing temperatures and icy roads creating hazardous travel conditions.
Locally, authorities have been urged to prepare for:
- damaging winds up to 45km/h that could affect light structures and outdoor signage;
- icy patches on roads and bridges in the early morning and late evening;
- widespread cold-related strain for vulnerable residents, including the elderly and those sleeping outdoors.
Practical advice for Gauteng residents
Local municipal emergency units and community groups should implement cold-weather plans. Residents are advised to:
- check the latest weather updates from SAWS and local forecasts before travelling;
- avoid unnecessary travel if roads are icy or visibility is poor;
- insulate pipes and protect pets and livestock from the cold;
- assist neighbours who may be vulnerable to hypothermia or who rely on electric heating during the night;
- secure loose outdoor items that could be damaged by strong winds.
What to watch for next
Forecasts remain model-dependent and can change quickly. Residents should monitor bulletins from SAWS and local emergency services for any upgrades to warnings or specific municipal advisories. If snow does fall in Gauteng, it is likely to be patchy and confined to higher southern and eastern areas rather than producing a province-wide whiteout.
With temperatures set to plunge and the possibility of strong winds and snow in some quarters, this cold snap is a reminder that winter hazards can develop rapidly. Stay informed, prepare for very cold conditions on Tuesday and heed local authorities' instructions should warnings be upgraded.
Reporting from Johannesburg.
