Gauteng braces for bitter cold, snowfall possible

Gauteng residents have been urged to brace for extremely cold weather as a cold front continues to affect the province, withlight snowfallpossible in southern areas. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast cloudy and cold conditions across Gauteng, accompanied by scattered showers and thundershowers. Light snowfall is possible in the south of the province in the evening.

The weather conditions form part of a broader cold front and cut-off low-pressure system affecting several parts of the country, including the Free State, Western Cape, Northern Cape,Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal. In Johannesburg, the public safety department has urged residents not to underestimate the risks associated with the sharp drop in temperatures. Public safety MMC Moshe Koma said residents, motorists and businesses should take precautions regardless of whether snowfall occurs.

“We are urging residents of Johannesburg not to underestimate the dangers associated with extremely cold weather. Whether or not snowfall occurs, the predicted drop in temperatures requires residents, motorists and businesses to take precautionary measures,” said Koma. The city’s emergency management services remains on high alert and is monitoring the developing weather conditions.

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Koma also warned residents about the dangers of using unsafe heating methods as temperatures drop. “We must not allow the cold weather to create another emergency through unsafe heating practices,” he said. Residents have been urged to exercise caution when using heaters, paraffin stoves, candles and braziers, while avoiding unsafe electrical connections.

The city has also warned against using braziers or open flames indoors because of the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Motorists have been advised to reduce their speed, increase following distances and exercise caution on wet, slippery or potentially icy roads.

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