Brrrr! ‘Level 4 snow warning’ in place for several regions of SA

Blimey, it’s not often we see one of these – but a Level 4 snow warning has been issued for a number of areas in the west of the country, with yet another severe cold front set to make landfall on Monday 12 July.

Level 4 snow warnings for South Africa

The Cape provinces have been battered by adverse weather conditions since the onset of winter, with floods and damaging winds causing problems throughout the past few weeks. However, this latest blast of icy conditions could bring ‘up to 15cm of snow’ with it – forcing the SA Weather Service to issue the following alert:

“This cold front will cause gale-force winds and significant wave heights between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas. Very cold conditions are also expected to set in on Monday and Tuesday, with daytime temperatures plummeting to below 10C.”

“These are the areas where there is a possibility of snowfalls which may be as deep as 5 to 15 cm, over the western mountains in the Western Cape, as well as on the southern high ground of the Northern Cape. These conditions may lead to a loss of vulnerable livestock and crops, particularly on Monday.” | SAWS statement

Freezing temperatures and frost expected

The chilly weather will be with us right until the end of the week, as plummeting temperatures spread into central regions. Some parts of South Africa will see the mercury drop below zero, with frosty conditions expected from Wednesday 14 July.

“Strong winds are expected on Monday across the Cape provinces and may result in property damage in some areas. The coastal winds will moderate on Tuesday, with wave heights subsiding from the west while the cold front moves to the central provinces of South Africa, introducing cold conditions to several areas.”

“It will also become very cold over the southern areas of the Northern Cape as well as the interior of the Western and Eastern Cape provinces between now and Tuesday. The public should also take note that significant and widespread frost is expected over the western and central interior from Wednesday through to Friday.”

Where weather warnings are in place for the week ahead…

Yellow Level 4 warning for SNOW, 12-13 July

• – Southern Namakwa
• – Cederberg
• – Witzenberg
• – Brede Valley
• – The east of the Garden Route
• – Centralised Western Cape municipalities
• – All are on alert for the possible loss of livestock or crops

A strong cold front will make landfall in the Western and Northern Cape Provinces tomorrow (Monday 12 July 2021). It will then pass through the central and eastern half of SA on Tuesday. Very cold temperatures can be expected throughout the week. pic.twitter.com/pdRpv6yykJ

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 11, 2021

Yellow Level 4 warning for RAIN, 12 July

• – City of Cape Town
• – Witzenberg
• – Drakenstein
• – Stellenbosch
• – Theewaterskloof
• – All are on alert for heavy rains leading to flooding

Media Release: Wet, windy and very cold conditions from Monday (12 July 2021). Intense cold front to bring very cold conditions to SA this week. pic.twitter.com/aytdZIPPU8

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 11, 2021