South Africa experienced a snowy weekend that transformed parts of the Western Cape into a winter wonderland. However, meteorologists have predicted that the country will face more freezing weather in the coming week. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecasted low temperatures accompanied by windy and rainy conditions throughout the country.
Cold Fronts Hit South Africa Over the Weekend
Over the weekend, a substantial cold front hit the western parts of South Africa, causing a significant dip in daytime temperatures and bouts of showers and rain. The Swartberg Pass closed, and authorities advised motorists to avoid the route. On Saturday morning, snowfall began over the high-lying areas of the Western and Northern Cape. Meteorologists predicted that it would spread to the Eastern Cape’s higher grounds, possibly leading to disruptions in some locales.
Snowfall Spreads Across South Africa
On Sunday, the southern Drakensberg experienced snow, and light snowfall was anticipated along the eastern Highveld and escarpment of Mpumalanga on Monday. As a result, Cape Town and its surrounding areas are preparing for a chilly week, with maximum temperatures predicted to drop below 7°C. Johannesburg also experienced the effects of the cold front, with snow blanketing Gauteng. Frost was also expected to spread across the Eastern Cape on Tuesday morning.
Power Outages and Repairs
The extreme weather conditions took a toll on the power supply, causing multiple faults that left residents in Driftsands and Kleinmond without electricity. Eskom, the national power utility, reported that technicians were working tirelessly to restore electricity to the affected areas. However, the inclement weather hampered their efforts. In Kleinmond, repair work was suspended due to unsafe conditions, leaving approximately 60 customers without power until Sunday. Accessing the faulty line in Driftsands was difficult due to the muddy terrain, causing delays in necessary repairs.
Precautions and Adaptability
As South Africa continues to face freezing temperatures and snowfall, residents are urged to exercise caution and remain prepared for potential power outages and travel disruptions. Although the wintery scenes are visually stunning, they demand increased vigilance and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.
