Yellow Level 2 snow alert issued for Eastern Cape: Expect up to 35cm of snowfall

The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive snow in parts of the Eastern Cape, with between 25 and 35 centimetres of snow possible in some areas from Sunday A cold front is set to make landfall on Sunday, bringing severe weather to the Eastern Cape. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive snow, predicting accumulations of 25 to 35 centimetres in certain areas. This warning specifically impacts the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality, Chris Hani District Municipality, and the local municipalities of Senqu, Elundini, and Matatiele, urging residents to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.

SAWS said the disruptive weather is expected to continue until Tuesday. The weather service attributed the conditions to a steep upper trough, which is expected to develop into a cut-off low, together with a ridging high-pressure system passing through the Eastern Cape. SAWS warned that disruptive rain could result in localised flooding in vulnerable formal and informal settlements, roads and low-lying bridges.

Damaging winds and high waves are also expected to affect navigation at sea. Cloudy and cold to very cold conditions are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday. Isolated to scattered rain and showers are possible, becoming widespread over the Eastern Cape on Monday.

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Snow is also possible over parts of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the eastern parts of the Free State and the southern and eastern parts of Gauteng from late Monday evening into Tuesday morning. However, SAWS said there is a low likelihood of snow in Gauteng.

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