Pheme said there was a possibility of morning fog patches in most of South Africa the same day but it would then become cloudy and “ultimately become fine again”.
A cold front would arrive on Friday and this is likely to result in “some showers and thundershowers along the western and southwestern parts [Northern Cape and Western Cape] of the country”.
“Over the western parts [Northern Cape, Western Cape and western half of the Eastern Cape], there is a possibility of isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers and the temperatures over those areas will drop significantly on Saturday.”
Temperatures were expected to drop further on Sunday, not just in the western parts, but in most of the country bar the northeastern part of Limpopo.
Parts of the Eastern Cape and Lesotho border will experience the lowest minimum temperatures, Pheme said, with the temperature dropping to -2°C.
“The remainder [of the country] will [be] between 2°C and -2°C,” he said.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
South Africa in for a brrr weekend as cold front predicted
Image: 123RF/Peter Bernik
Get those extra blankets out — it's going to be a freezing weekend, according to the South African Weather Service (Saws) as it confirmed a cold snap over most parts of the country.
In June, the weather bureau confirmed citizens should not expect “anything extreme” over the winter but brace for “above normal average” weather.
It also said the country was entering an El Niño cycle, which is characterised by warmer temperatures, lower rainfall and drought.
Saws on Wednesday gave an overview of weather conditions expected in the next few days. Forecaster Lulama Pheme said there was a possibility of isolated showers over the northeastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and this will spread to the Mpumalanga escarpment.
“For those areas there is a possibility of a 30% chance of light rain. On Thursday, you have the possibility of showers over KZN in the early hours. During the day it [should] clear up,” he said.
Snowfall in Eastern Cape and cold to very cold conditions over the country this week
Pheme said there was a possibility of morning fog patches in most of South Africa the same day but it would then become cloudy and “ultimately become fine again”.
A cold front would arrive on Friday and this is likely to result in “some showers and thundershowers along the western and southwestern parts [Northern Cape and Western Cape] of the country”.
“Over the western parts [Northern Cape, Western Cape and western half of the Eastern Cape], there is a possibility of isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers and the temperatures over those areas will drop significantly on Saturday.”
Temperatures were expected to drop further on Sunday, not just in the western parts, but in most of the country bar the northeastern part of Limpopo.
Parts of the Eastern Cape and Lesotho border will experience the lowest minimum temperatures, Pheme said, with the temperature dropping to -2°C.
“The remainder [of the country] will [be] between 2°C and -2°C,” he said.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
MORE:
Natural disasters could affect the mental health of children exposed to them
From devastating stories to visuals, here’s everything to know about the grim weather engulfing SA this week
WATCH | Taxis float away in Durban storm that leaves two dead, several injured and widespread damage
Wind power, warmer weather team up to energise Eskom
Cut-off low to bring rain, wind and cold to Cape provinces
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
News and promos in your inbox
subscribeMost read
Latest Videos