Sharp cold snap, snow, and floods cause numerous weather warnings in South Africa

Authorities in the KwaZulu-Natal province are on high alert due to snowfall in the Drakensberg areas and heavy rains threatening floods in many parts of the province. Emergency services are prepared to respond promptly to dangerous weather conditions.

Road Network Monitoring

Siboniso Duma, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, reported that officials are closely monitoring the province's road network, paying special attention to key routes that may be affected by snow and floods. Grader operators have been put on standby to clear snow before it accumulates more than 30 centimeters.

Furthermore, authorities are closely observing the Van Reenen Pass between Harrismith and Ladysmith to determine if road closures are necessary. Duma noted: 'The Van Reenen Pass between Harrismith and Ladysmith is under close observation to ensure road closure where necessary. This will help prevent drivers from getting stuck on the N3 highway. Coastal and low-lying areas with informal settlements are also being monitored closely.'

Weather Warnings and Risks

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of warnings because the low-pressure system has led to widespread rain, snowfall, and frost in several provinces. An Orange Level 6 warning for destructive rains has been issued between East London in the Eastern Cape and Cape Vidal in KwaZulu-Natal. Flooding is expected to affect roads, bridges, and settlements, and may damage infrastructure and property.

SAWS also warned that heavy snowfall over the northeastern highlands of the Eastern Cape and the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal could cause transport disruptions, interruptions to essential services, and temporary isolation of some communities.

Emergency Preparedness

To prepare for potential flood evacuations, the provincial Department of Human Settlements, in collaboration with the eThekwini municipality, has prepared over 170 rooms at the recently acquired Monklaer Lodge to accommodate families who may be forced to leave their homes.

Duma also stated that work continues on creating flood-resilient infrastructure, including the repair of the Quarry Heights bridge, which was partially damaged during the devastating floods of 2022. Gabions are being installed to prevent further soil erosion, and engineers have placed culverts on several bridges to reduce water accumulation, which often leads to flooding.

Weather Forecast and Recommendations

The meteorological service forecasts very cold and humid conditions with light snowfall expected from Wednesday evening in parts of the Eastern Cape, southern KwaZulu-Natal, southern Free State, and along the Lesotho border, after which conditions will begin to improve from the west on Thursday. Farmers were advised to take preventive measures to protect livestock and crops from frost.

Although the peak of the system is expected by the end of this week, SAWS predicts that cold weather will persist in eastern South Africa on Thursday and Friday, with isolated or scattered rain expected in some areas. Drivers are strongly advised to monitor weather updates, avoid flooded roads, and exercise extreme caution when traveling through affected regions.

iol.co.zaJuly 29, 19:27

Snowfall covers parts of South Africa and Lesotho due to low pressure

Parts of South Africa and Lesotho are covered in snow following the passage of an isolated low-pressure area over South Africa. According to data from the South African Weather Service, icy cold weather and rain are expected.

Snowfall Reports

The Traffic Inspectorate reported snowfall in the Drakensberg area, including the Sanie Pass border post and Mount Fletcher. In Kokstad, rain continues, while Underberg is experiencing foggy and rainy conditions.

Official Response and Weather

The Minister of Transport and Human Settlements for KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, praised the teams of the transport and human settlements departments for their response to the harsh weather conditions in the province. Snow continues to fall at Kinmel Guest Farm near Rhodes, maintaining winter conditions in this region.

The KZN province is expected to remain cloudy and cold or cool, with scattered showers and rain over the northern areas. Isolated precipitation is forecast elsewhere, except in the southwestern part.

iol.co.zaJuly 27, 06:50

Western Cape prepares for stormy seas and strong winds as rain spreads eastward

Residents of South Africa can expect a cool start to the new week, as a cold weather system brings rain, scattered showers, and windy conditions to parts of the country on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Weather conditions in the southern regions

According to the South African Weather Service, most of the country will remain clear and cool, but variable cloudiness and lower temperatures are expected in the southern areas. Isolated or scattered rain and downpours are forecast along the southern coast, covering the Western Cape, parts of the Eastern Cape, and southern KwaZulu-Natal.

Rainfall and wind forecasts

The probability of precipitation in the southwestern Cape, in the southern inland region around Beaufort West and Graaff-Reinet, as well as along sections of the Wild Coast and the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is 30%. Higher chances of rainfall, reaching 60%, are expected along the southern coast, especially from Garden Route towards the Eastern Cape coast.

The main weather concern will be strong winds. Windy conditions are forecast over the extreme western inland area and along the southwestern coast of the Western Cape. A Level 1 yellow warning has been issued for the Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas coasts from Monday afternoon until Tuesday regarding destructive coastal winds and waves.

Maritime hazards

South-easterly winds of 40 km/h to 60 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h – 80 km/h, are predicted to complicate navigation for small vessels and jet skis. Wave heights are expected to reach four to five meters, creating dangerous sea conditions and potentially disrupting beach and port activities.

Temperatures in the southern parts of the country will remain cool or cold, while the central and northern inland areas will be characterized by predominantly dry weather without significant rainfall. Residents in coastal areas are advised to exercise caution near the shoreline, and sailors and fishermen are advised to monitor weather updates as stormy sea conditions develop along the Western Cape coast.