Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, was transformed into a snowy spectacle this Wednesday as a cold front swept across the city, bringing with it icy temperatures and strong winds.
Story Summary:
- Snowfall on Table Mountain has turned Cape Town into a winter wonderland.
- Cold front brings temperatures as low as 12°C and strong winds.
- Table Mountain is nominated for Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction in the 2024 World Travel Awards.
In pictures: Snow falls on Table Mountain
The rare snowfall delighted locals and tourists, who woke to find the mountain dusted in white, an unusual sight for this part of the world.
Snowfall on Table Mountain is a special event, not only because of its rarity but also because of the way it enhances the mountain’s natural beauty.
While snow on the mountain isn’t unheard of, it’s far from a regular occurrence.
Typically, snow is reported a few times a year, mostly during the winter months, when the mountain’s highest points become cold enough for the white flakes to settle.
Table Mountain National Park manager Megan Taplin confirmed the snowfall, and SANParks shared captivating video footage of the snow-covered mountain on their Facebook page.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway also confirmed the wintry conditions, posting on their social media platforms and urging followers to vote for Table Mountain in the 2024 World Travel Awards, where it was nominated for Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction.
Cape Town’s weather woes: Updates from the City
The snowfall on Table Mountain comes amid a period of severe weather in Cape Town, which saw damaging winds and heavy rainfall beginning on Tuesday.
The South African Weather Service forecast a chilly day for the city, with a maximum temperature of just 12°C on Wednesday.
The adverse weather has already had some impact on the city, with reports of fallen trees in areas such as Tierboskloof, Kenilworth, and Bishop Lavis.
“City services were activated to remove the trees and clear the affected areas,” said Sonica Lategan, spokesperson for Cape Town’s disaster risk management centre.
In another incident, an overhead sign at the main entrance to Access Park at the Kenilworth Centre was blown over by gale-force winds, though no injuries were reported.
JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s MEC for Public Safety, provided an update on Tuesday regarding the ongoing weather conditions:
“The Disaster Risk Management Centre is monitoring for any potential impacts from the inclement weather. According to the SA Weather Service, the rainfall and wind gusts being experienced across the metropole will start easing off in the early hours of tomorrow (Wednesday).”
Smith also highlighted the challenges posed by the weather, particularly in low-lying areas still recovering from July’s record rainfall.
“City services are on standby to attend to any impacts that may arise, and our humanitarian partners too are on alert, in the event that soft relief is required,” Smith added, urging residents to take precautions and remain vigilant on the roads.
As the city braces for more cold weather, the snowfall on Table Mountain has provided a brief, yet magical, respite—a moment of beauty amidst the stormy conditions.
