WINTER WONDERLAND ARRIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA: Rare Snowfall Brings Joy and Magic

By Enia Dube

In a rare and thrilling phenomenon, snowfall has blanketed parts of South Africa, bringing widespread excitement and a touch of winter magic to the nation.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) confirmed that light snowfall was reported in several regions, including the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The rare weather event was caused by a cold front that swept across the country, bringing icy temperatures and precipitation.

Residents in affected areas took to social media to share breathtaking images and videos of snow-covered landscapes, cars, and buildings. Children were seen building snowmen, making snow angels, and engaging in impromptu snowball fights.
 

While the snow brought joy to many, it also caused disruptions to daily life. Several major roads were closed due to icy conditions, and authorities advised motorists to exercise caution and the National Department of Education postponed exams in affected areas to ensure student safety.
 

Regional Snowfall Totals;

Eastern Cape: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)
Western Cape: 5-10 cm (2-4 inches)
KwaZulu-Natal: 2-5 cm (1-2 inches)

SAWS predicts the cold front will move eastward, bringing warmer temperatures and clearing skies by the weekend. 

Snowfall in South Africa is extremely rare, with the last significant occurrence in 2011. The country’s climate is generally mild, making this event all the more remarkable.