Johannesburg – Some residents of the City of Gold, especially in the Randburg area, have reported seeing snowfall, as temperatures plummeted below zero degrees Celsius Monday morning.
Confirming the unusual phenomenon, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) explained that “snowfall in Gauteng was due to intense upper trough system”.
SAWS said snow was observed in some areas of Gauteng.
“Snow reported in Heidelberg A cold front caused a significant drop in temperatures over Gauteng today, Monday, 910 July 2023),” said SAWS.
“The maximum temperatures are expected to reach 13°C in the northern areas of Gauteng, with minimum temperatures recorded to have met criteria for snowy conditions.
“Snow was observed over areas in the south, such as Soweto, Alberton and Roodepoort.
“Some of the areas that observed snow include the eastern areas of Gauteng, Heidelberg and parts of Vosloorus”
SAWS said most of the snow that was observed since morning was over Heidelberg.
“Light snowfall and sleet are still possible over the Highveld and the escarpment of Mpumalanga today, where expected temperatures for areas such as Dullstroom, Belfast, Roossenekal, Mariepskop, Mount Anderson and Ermelo will not exceed 6°C,” said SAWS.
The weather service said the public and small stock farmers are advised that the very cold, wet and windy conditions may pose a risk to livestock, vulnerable crops and plants.
“Severe frost is expected overnight as well as on Wednesday morning,” said SAWS.
“The public is also warned to keep warm during these cold conditions.
“The public are urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television, radio as well as social media platforms.”
