By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has confirmed light snowfall over the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, Drakensberg, and Lesotho from Wednesday.
Saws forecaster Letlhogonolo Thobela said, we’re still expecting disruptive snow into the high-lying areas of Lesotho, covering the Drakensberg mountains.”
According to Thobela, the primary concern remains not only the snow but also the damaging and destructive winds expected along the Eastern Cape’s coastline and adjacent interior.
Rain is also on the radar, with isolated to scattered showers expected along the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape and into the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Pretoria is expected to reach a maximum of 15°C, while Vereeniging will only peak at 11°C, eMalahleni is forecast to hit 12°C, and Nelspruit is expected to be warmer at 18°C.
Warmer temperatures are expected in parts of Limpopo, with Phalaborwa set to reach 26°C.
Temperatures in Gauteng will start rising, with Pretoria reaching 19°C and Johannesburg possibly peaking at 17 to 18°C.
“Temperatures start to pick up from tomorrow (Thursday) in the afternoon, Pretoria’s maximum may also reach 19 degrees, as well as in Vereeniging,” Thobela said.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged the public to remain vigilant in light of recent fire tragedies and the extreme weather conditions anticipated in the coming days.
On Monday, the Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) confirmed the tragic death of four children, all under the age of two.
It is understood they died from smoke inhalation caused by a suspected heating device before a fire engulfed their home in Mayfair.
“This heartbreaking incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with unsafe heating methods,” said Hlabisa.
“We urge all families to take necessary precautions, ensure adequate ventilation, and never leave heating devices unattended.”
“Just weeks ago, a major wildfire on Table Mountain in Cape Town burned about 3 000 hectares of vegetation and led to the evacuation of nearly 200 residents, including vulnerable individuals.”
Hlabisa warned residents of the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape of two cold frontal systems anticipated until Friday, 23 May 2025.
The Minister called on municipalities, emergency services, traditional leaders, and disaster management teams to remain on high alert and implement contingency plans as required.