{"id":19491,"date":"2025-07-31T08:54:14","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T06:54:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=19491"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:08:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:08:21","slug":"snow-alert-issued","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/snow-alert-issued\/","title":{"rendered":"Snow Alert Issued as SA Braces for Cold and Wet Weather on 31 July"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#significant-snowfall-targets-eastern-cape\" data-level=\"2\">Significant Snowfall Targets Eastern Cape<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#western-and-northern-cape-to-bear-brunt-of-cold\" data-level=\"2\">Western and Northern Cape to Bear Brunt of Cold<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#damaging-winds-and-high-waves-expected-for-coastal\" data-level=\"2\">Damaging Winds and High Waves Expected for Coastal Regions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#road-icing-and-transport-disruptions\" data-level=\"2\">Road Icing and Transport Disruptions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#gauteng-and-free-state-mercury-drops-near-freezing\" data-level=\"2\">Gauteng and Free State: Mercury Drops Near Freezing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#kwazulu-natal-to-experience-cold-temperatures-and\" data-level=\"2\">KwaZulu-Natal to Experience Cold Temperatures and Strong Winds<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#lesotho-and-southern-drakensberg-snow-extends-acro\" data-level=\"2\">Lesotho and Southern Drakensberg: Snow Extends Across Borders<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fire-danger-remains-despite-wet-weather\" data-level=\"2\">Fire Danger Remains Despite Wet Weather<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#communities-and-emergency-services-mobilise-suppor\" data-level=\"2\">Communities and Emergency Services Mobilise Support<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#saws-urges-vigilance-and-community-spirit\" data-level=\"2\">SAWS Urges Vigilance and Community Spirit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa stands on high alert today, 31 July, as a snow warning sweeps in with a polar chill. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has flagged dangerous cold, powerful winds, and wet conditions poised to grip several provinces. Rural and urban communities alike are urged to prepare, as the forecast signals rare and possibly disruptive snowfall, particularly over the Eastern Cape escarpment and high-lying regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/weather-forecast-31-07-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Today\u2019s Weather Forecast \u2013 Thursday, 31 July 2025<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"significant-snowfall-targets-eastern-cape\">Significant Snowfall Targets Eastern Cape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Meteorologists have pinpointed the Eastern Cape\u2019s escarpment as the flashpoint for snow, with SAWS warning of \u201cdisruptive snow over the escarpments of the Eastern Cape.\u201d Conditions suggest a strong chance that road networks, particularly between Graaff-Reinet and Queenstown, will face ice and possible closures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Residents should prepare for disruptions as snowfall may isolate rural areas. Authorities advise avoiding travel and following updates from the South African Weather Service. Farmers are urged to protect livestock and water during the cold spell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2652832301\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"western-and-northern-cape-to-bear-brunt-of-cold\">Western and Northern Cape to Bear Brunt of Cold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Western Cape and southern Namakwa District in the Northern Cape will endure biting winds and freezing rain. According to forecasts, very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected over the southern parts of the Namakwa district, as well as over the Cape Winelands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Residents should prepare for strong gusts that may cause damage to weaker structures and disrupt outdoor activities. The wet conditions are expected to persist throughout the day, increasing the risk of slippery roads and hazardous driving conditions. Local authorities have urged people to stay informed of updates from the South African Weather Service and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during this cold spell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"damaging-winds-and-high-waves-expected-for-coastal\">Damaging Winds and High Waves Expected for Coastal Regions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Coastal residents should remain cautious as SAWS highlights potential damaging winds and waves along the east and south coast. These hazards are forecast from Saldanha Bay to Cape Agulhas in the morning, and later moving toward Plettenberg Bay and Alexander Bay, potentially threatening temporary structures and beach activities. Authorities have advised securing loose objects and avoiding risky areas near the shore to prevent accidents. Fishermen and boaters are urged to stay ashore during the peak of these conditions due to dangerous sea swells. Emergency services are on alert to respond quickly to any weather-related incidents along the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2234213629\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"road-icing-and-transport-disruptions\">Road Icing and Transport Disruptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Icy roads in high-altitude regions, notably between Graaff-Reinet and Queenstown, may \u201ccompromise travel and delivery of essential goods.\u201d Authorities recommend exercising caution or postponing travel where possible: \u201cExpect slick surfaces and lower visibility during peak snowfall periods,\u201d cautions the weather service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gauteng-and-free-state-mercury-drops-near-freezing\">Gauteng and Free State: Mercury Drops Near Freezing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Inland hubs such as Johannesburg and Pretoria are bracing for a bone-chilling plunge. Johannesburg is expected to touch 0\u00b0C, and Pretoria is forecast around 2\u00b0C. The Free State, including Welkom and Bethlehem, will also see major drops, stoking demand for heating and shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3343420025\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kwazulu-natal-to-experience-cold-temperatures-and\">KwaZulu-Natal to Experience Cold Temperatures and Strong Winds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>KwaZulu-Natal\u2019s inland areas, including Newcastle and Pietermaritzburg, will wake to freezing temperatures, with the coast expected to stay cool but windy. \u201cStrong coastal winds, isolated showers, and large waves\u201d will challenge local communities and fishermen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lesotho-and-southern-drakensberg-snow-extends-acro\">Lesotho and Southern Drakensberg: Snow Extends Across Borders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Snowfall will not stop at the national line. Disruptive snowfall warning issued for Lesotho and the southern Drakensberg, including the Maloti mountains, underscores the wide geographic reach of this winter\u2019s grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3841656058\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fire-danger-remains-despite-wet-weather\">Fire Danger Remains Despite Wet Weather<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While many brace for the cold, the Swellendam and Hessequa municipalities in Western Cape face an unusual paradox: <strong>extremely high fire danger warnings<\/strong>, even as rain falls. Dry vegetation and strong winds raise the risk of runaway fires despite generally wet conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"SA Weather Report | 31 July 2025\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2rVF_OPA4ac?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?sca_esv=e9b248d593281b0a&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifMQRzQVlr8omw3PMcxiYbGtZjTncA:1753944689234&amp;udm=7&amp;fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIejIPgyyGM1YJJNz-u26A7UQjdzW_3QjQoz5M3kGxMbP-2YdUyEI1swjDCAqceDRq1j6wj7Ktrbgb_zOLOgNe587PTVhCzdqLuvTE6eamMiVO6IOpdZ3p_vFqNYPDN0lsR4H2aoSd9KnuIBPpdhU7iwbSd7hauIkGA3wxln4XoiaP9oYb0g&amp;q=weather+31+july&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiliaGRweaOAxXyREEAHZGvANwQtKgLegQIEhAB&amp;biw=1415&amp;bih=678&amp;dpr=1#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:88a3db8e,vid:2rVF_OPA4ac,st:0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"communities-and-emergency-services-mobilise-suppor\">Communities and Emergency Services Mobilise Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SAWS has appealed to residents, especially vulnerable groups, to take the cold alert seriously. Vulnerable groups, especially children, older people, and those living in informal settlements, will require support to stay warm and safe. Municipalities, NGOs, and emergency services are deploying teams to distribute supplies and monitor at-risk areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2923376877\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"saws-urges-vigilance-and-community-spirit\">SAWS Urges Vigilance and Community Spirit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.weathersa.co.za\/\">South African Weather Service<\/a> encourages all South Africans to \u201cremain vigilant and supportive during this cold spell, showing once again the strength of South African communities in times of adversity.\u201d Heeding official warnings and checking regional updates can make a critical difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A rare snow alert triggers warnings across South Africa for 31 July, with disruptive snow, damaging winds and icy roads.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":9345,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"A rare snow alert triggers warnings across South Africa for 31 July, with disruptive snow, damaging winds and icy roads.","footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[1152,1957,1153,426,1956],"class_list":{"0":"post-19491","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-daily-weather","8":"tag-cold-front","9":"tag-gauteng-winter","10":"tag-weather-alert","11":"tag-weather-update","12":"tag-winter-cold"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19491"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19491\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19496,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19491\/revisions\/19496"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}