Johannesburg woke to sleet and isolated snow on Tuesday as a cold front pushed across Gauteng, producing wintry flurries in parts of the city and the East Rand.
Where it fell
Reports and eyewitness accounts, corroborated by Storm Report SA and Gauteng Weather advisories, put snowfall or sleet in Meyersdal, Alberton, Glenvista, Kensington and parts of Germiston on the East Rand. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has also issued warnings for widespread cold, cloud and scattered showers across the province.
"Breaking: First reports of sleet mixed with snow in parts of Germiston and surrounding areas," Gauteng Weather said in an update.
Temperatures and forecast
Gauteng faces one of the coldest snaps in recent years. Forecast highs and lows issued for Tuesday included a Johannesburg minimum of 1°C and a high of 4°C. Vereeniging was forecast to dip to 0°C with a high of 5°C, while Pretoria was expected to reach a low of 3°C and a high of 7°C. Meteorologists warned that the worst of the cold was expected on Tuesday evening, with the possibility of light snow in southern parts of the province.
| Location | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 1°C | 4°C |
| Vereeniging | 0°C | 5°C |
| Pretoria | 3°C | 7°C |
Safety concerns and official advice
The Gauteng provincial government has urged residents to put safety first as icy rain and plunging temperatures create hazardous travel conditions. Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga highlighted the combined risk of wet roads and cold, and appealed to people to take precautions with heating and travel.
- Avoid unnecessary travel while roads are wet or icy; allow extra time if you must drive.
- Do not use illegal or unsafe power connections; unsafe heating methods increase the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Exercise extreme caution when using heaters, candles, paraffin appliances, braziers or open fires.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours and elderly family members, and stay updated via SAWS and local authorities.
Provincial officials emphasised that the combination of rain, cold conditions and wet roads may create additional risks for motorists, pedestrians and vulnerable communities. Emergency services typically see a rise in call-outs during these snaps, particularly related to traffic incidents and heating-related accidents.
Context and what to expect
Johannesburg's last widely noted snowfall was on 10 July 2023, when parts of the province were briefly transformed. Snow in the city remains uncommon but not unprecedented during strong winter cold fronts. Forecasters said showers and thundershowers would persist in places across Gauteng, with the cold snap likely to moderate only after the frontal system moves away.
For now, residents are advised to monitor SAWS alerts and local traffic updates. Public transport users should expect delays and plan for potential disruptions, while motorists should reduce speed on wet or icy surfaces and maintain safe stopping distances.
As the city shivered, photos and short videos circulated on social media documenting light snow on roofs and car windscreens — a reminder that even in a metropolitan area like Johannesburg, winter can still surprise. Officials ask that social media posts do not replace official guidance and that people prioritise safety over photographs.
Local municipalities and emergency services will continue to monitor conditions. Residents should keep radios, phones and messaging services on for updates and follow instructions from SAPS, traffic authorities and municipal officials where issued.
