The South African Weather Service has forecasted light snowfall across high-lying regions this weekend, with the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and southern KwaZulu-Natal expected to experience the most significant impact.
Story Summary:
- Light snowfall is expected in high-lying areas of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Southern Northern Cape, and southern KwaZulu-Natal from Sunday to Tuesday.
- A cold front and high-pressure system will cause temperatures to drop significantly.
- The SA Weather Service advises motorists to exercise caution in snow-prone areas.
Snow forecast for this weekend: Here’s what you must know
This weather event, occurring from Sunday, 29 September to Tuesday, 1 October 2024, will introduce colder conditions, particularly in the escarpment regions of South Africa.
While this snow event will be notable, the impact is expected to be less severe than the snowfall experienced last week.
The SA weather authority emphasises that while some disruptions might occur, the accumulated snowfall depth is unlikely to exceed 2 cm.
The snowfall is expected to follow this schedule:
- Western Cape: The snowfall will start early on Sunday, 29 September, affecting high-altitude areas such as the Cederberg Mountains and Matroosberg. It will spread eastward throughout the day.
- Eastern Cape: Snow will begin on Sunday evening in regions like the Drakensberg, Barkly East, Rhodes, and Lady Grey, intensifying on Monday, 30 September.
- Southern Northern Cape: Areas such as the Roggeveld Mountains near Sutherland may experience light snowfall on Sunday morning.
- KwaZulu-Natal: The southern parts of the Drakensberg, including Underberg and Himeville, will start to experience snowfall by Monday morning, persisting into Tuesday, 1 October.
Cold to very cold conditions are anticipated, with temperatures dropping below 10℃ in these regions.
Rainfall is also expected but will not exceed 30 mm over the period.
How to prepare for the snow: Important tips
Avoiding Snow:
- Check weather updates and road conditions frequently before travelling.
- Avoid travelling through high-altitude areas where snowfall is expected. Routes like Van Reenen’s Pass on the N3 may be affected, although significant disruptions are not currently expected.
What to Do If You Encounter Snow While Driving:
- Drive Slowly: Reduced speed gives better control over slippery surfaces.
- Use Low Beams: Visibility can be poor in snowy conditions, so always keep your headlights on but avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the snow and reduce visibility.
- Stay Calm: If your vehicle starts to skid, steer gently in the direction of the skid to regain control.
- Keep Distance: Maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and others to allow ample stopping time.