Widespread SNOW of up 20cm expected in these areas - more info here

Widespread SNOW of up 20cm expected in these areas – more info here Photos: VoxWeather/Stock

Widespread SNOW of up 20cm expected in these areas – more info here

Widespread SNOW of up to 20cm is expected in these areas in South Africa this coming weekend. Click here for more information.

Widespread SNOW of up 20cm expected in these areas - more info here

Widespread SNOW of up 20cm expected in these areas – more info here Photos: VoxWeather/Stock

Widespread SNOW of up to 20cm is expected in these areas this coming weekend.

WIDESPREAD SNOW IS EXPECTED TO START ON SUNDAY

According to VoxWeather, only light flurries are likely to fall over the Matroosberg Nature Reserve in the Western Cape.

“The snow will quickly melt, with most of the snow falling over the HIGH PEAKS of the Cederberg Mountain Range Into Monday, snow spreading over the Eastern Cape mountains and Drakensberg.

“Thundersnow is also possible on Monday into Tuesday over the Southern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal & Lesotho (Thundersnow – a thunderstorm that produces snow instead of rain).”

THUNDERSNOW IS ALSO POSSIBLE ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY

It furthermore said light flurries are still likely on Tuesday over a few small towns in the Eastern Cape like Dordrecht, Barkley East, Elliot. Thundersnow is possible in the Free State, including Harrismith, Clarens, Memel, and even Volksrust in Mpumalanga.

“Significant snow is expected to fall over the mountains of Lesotho, the Drakensberg into Wednesday More than 20cm is STILL possible to accumulate over Sani Pass, including at AfriSki, the Winterberg & Drakensberg.”

Heavy rain, SNOW and strong winds are expected - here is the latest

THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED

These areas will be affected:

  • Winterberg Mountain Range
  • Sneeuberg Mountain Range
  • South Drakenberg Mountain Range
  • Swartberg Mountain Range
  • Sutherland
  • Beaufort West
  • Graaff-Reinet
  • Nieu-Bethesda
  • Willowmore
  • Uniondale
  • Kokstad
  • Underberg
  • Harrismith
  • Barkly East
  • Molteno

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) previously advised the public and small stock farmers that loss of vulnerable livestock and crops can be expected in these weather conditions.

SMALL STOCK FARMERS SHOULD PROVIDE SHELTER FOR VULNERABLE LIVESTOCK

“The weak and frail may also be vulnerable since their bodies won’t be able to retain their heat as easily.”

“Small stock farmers should provide shelter for their vulnerable livestock and cover sensitive crops. Shelter, soup and blankets should be provided to the weak and frail where possible.”

SAWS

ALSO READ: WATCH: Extremely high fire danger conditions expected in parts of SA

HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE PLACES IN SA TO GO HUNT FOR SNOW IN AUGUST:

  • Underberg: Snowfalls in the Underberg can occur anywhere from May through to October. The highest recorded snowfall in the area and, therefore, possibly the best time to go in search of snow is in August. Situated a mere 40kms from Underberg, Sani Pass is a great snow spot to explore, with the first winter snowfall having fallen there in late May this year. Be advised though, that you need a 4 x 4 to drive up the pass.
  • Golden Gate: The winter months in Golden Gate are very cold and temperatures can plummet to between -9 and -15°C. Snow is no stranger to this area.
  • Midlands: Winter in the Natal Midlands is cool and dry, with occasional snow and frost and average temperatures of 6°C. August 2021 saw the KZN Midlands transformed into a white-blanketed wonderland along with other large parts of SA previously untouched by it.

Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in parts of the country on Thursday and Friday.