By Mpho Moloi
South Africa is bracing for a cold front expected to bring snow and strong winds across several provinces, prompting a safety advisory from Acting Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mmamoloko Kubayi. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning, predicting significant drops in temperature and the possibility of snowfall in various regions of the country.
Heavy Snowfall Wreaks Havoc Across South Africa
The current cold front follows a weekend of severe weather that affected parts of Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. Heavy snowfall in these regions led to widespread disruptions, particularly along the N3 toll route, a critical link for road transport in South Africa. Motorists, including truck drivers and bus commuters, were stranded for hours, and reports confirmed the unfortunate loss of life in some areas.
Kubayi expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and praised the swift response from emergency services and law enforcement agencies. “The heavy snowfall over the weekend was unprecedented in many areas, and I urge all citizens to exercise caution as another cold front is expected to bring more snow and extreme cold,” she stated.
Further Snowfall Expected in the Days Ahead
SAWS forecasters have predicted that this cold front will bring further snowfall, particularly over the Drakensberg and escarpment regions. According to SAWS, light snow can be expected over the Drakensberg from Saturday, 29 September 2024, while other parts of the country will experience a significant drop in temperature. Snowfall is expected to begin in the Western Cape on Sunday morning and will spread eastward towards KwaZulu-Natal by Monday, 30 September 2024.
“Snowfall will clear up in the Western Cape and western parts of the Eastern Cape by Monday evening, but it will persist in the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal until Tuesday, 1 October 2024,” the SAWS statement confirmed.
Temperature Drops and Rainfall Predicted
In addition to snow, the cold front is expected to bring rain and showers to various parts of the Western Cape and its surrounding areas. Daytime temperatures will drop significantly, particularly in higher regions. Some areas are expected to see highs of below 10°C by Monday, further emphasizing the importance of precautionary measures.
The SAWS statement further notes that strong winds and large ocean swells are anticipated along the South Coast. Rainfall levels of around 30 mm are expected between 29 September and 1 October 2024, with light snowfall predicted for the higher areas of the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and southern KwaZulu-Natal.
Precautionary Measures Issued by Kubayi
In response to the severe weather forecast, Kubayi reiterated the safety advice issued by SAWS and urged South Africans to remain vigilant. She encouraged citizens to stay tuned to weather updates via radio or television and emphasized the importance of staying indoors whenever possible.
“For those who must venture outside, please dress warmly and ensure that you cover your mouth in extreme cold to protect your lungs. This is critical for both young children and the elderly,” Kubayi advised.
The Acting CoGTA Minister also stressed that people should avoid consuming alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and smoking, as these activities increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite during extreme cold conditions. She recommended warm, non-alcoholic beverages and regular meals to help maintain body temperature.
In particular, Kubayi addressed concerns for residents in rural and farming areas. “Livestock is particularly vulnerable in these conditions. I urge all farmers to ensure that small animals are sheltered from the cold and that all necessary preparations are made to keep animals safe and warm,” she added.
N3 Toll Route and Road Safety Concerns
Over the past weekend, the N3 toll route, which connects Johannesburg and Durban, was heavily impacted by snowfall. The route was temporarily closed due to dangerous driving conditions, with multiple accidents reported. Emergency services were deployed to assist stranded motorists, and road clearing operations were carried out to ensure that the route could be reopened safely.
Motorists are once again urged to exercise caution if traveling in areas affected by snowfall. Authorities have advised drivers to delay non-essential travel, especially along routes known to be impacted by icy conditions.
“Many motorists were left stranded in hazardous conditions over the weekend. We must all prioritize safety in the coming days. If you need to travel, ensure that your vehicle is equipped for extreme weather and that you have sufficient supplies in case of delays,” Kubayi said.
Increased Vulnerability of Informal Settlements
The acting minister also highlighted the potential dangers for residents living in informal settlements, where the effects of extreme weather are often felt most acutely. Poor infrastructure and lack of proper insulation leave many families exposed to harsh conditions during cold fronts.
“In these areas, residents are especially vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. Government is working with local municipalities and disaster management teams to provide necessary support and assistance to affected communities,” Kubayi explained.
SAWS Cold Front Timeline: What to Expect
• Sunday, 29 September 2024: The cold front is expected to begin in the Western Cape, bringing light snow and rain to higher regions. Daytime temperatures will start to fall across the province.
• Monday, 30 September 2024: Snowfall will spread eastward to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with daytime temperatures dropping further. Rain and showers will persist in several areas, with ocean swells and strong winds affecting the South Coast.
• Tuesday, 1 October 2024: Snowfall will continue over the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal, while conditions begin to clear up in the Western Cape.South African Weather Service Warns of Extreme Conditions
The South African Weather Service has urged citizens to take weather alerts seriously and to prepare for extreme conditions. “This cold front is expected to bring more than just snow. The combination of heavy rainfall, icy conditions, and strong winds presents a serious risk to safety, particularly in higher regions and on coastal roads,” the weather agency warned.
Residents are advised to stay indoors during periods of severe weather, avoid unnecessary travel, and be cautious when venturing out. SAWS also emphasized the importance of checking on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Collaborative Efforts to Ensure Safety
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), and local municipalities to coordinate response efforts. Kubayi commended the collaboration between different departments and agencies in addressing the challenges posed by the extreme weather.
“Coordination is key to minimizing the impact of these conditions. We are grateful for the ongoing support from various stakeholders, including our law enforcement agencies and emergency response teams,” Kubayi said.
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