Coldest day of winter so far: Kimberlite experiences snow in Gauteng

Duwayne Tobias, a Kimberlite residing and working in Johannesburg for the past three years, was greeted with snow on his way to work through the central business district (CBD) this morning (10 July).

Tobias says it was his first time experiencing snow.

“Since last night it was very cold, and while on my way to work I saw these tiny flakes which became more and more as I got closer to the Johannesburg CBD,” he says.

Walking on the snow-covered Nelson Mandela Bridge in the city was quite slippery, and Tobias’ clothes were soon covered with tiny snow flakes.

Kimberlite Duwayne Tobias, experiencing snow on his way to work this morning (10 July) in Johannesburg.

Photo: Duwayne Tobias

Around noon the sun would occasionally shine through, with light snowfall every now and then.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), today is regarded as the coldest day of winter so far, with temperatures well below zero in big parts of the country.

The SAWS advised the public and farmers that very cold and wet conditions are expected to persist over the south-eastern areas of the Northern Cape, Free State, the interior areas of the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

For the Northern Cape morning frost was predicted over the interior, with cool and cold temperatures throughout the day, and very cold temperatures over the southern parts.

Snow in the Johannesburg CBD this morning (10 July), as experienced by Kimberlite Duwayne Tobias.

Photo: Duwayne Tobias

The wind along the Northern Cape coast will be moderate to fresh, blowing southerly to south-easterly.

High wind chill, snowfall, freezing rain, and cold temperatures all pose a hazard to those travelling or venturing outside, says the SAWS.

The SAWS advised the public to take the following precautions:

• Look out or listen for weather warnings on the radio or television;
• stay indoors where possible;
• dress warmly if venturing outdoors;
• if it is extremely cold, cover your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air;
• do not drink alcohol, consume too many caffeinated beverages or smoke. All these encourage hypothermia and frostbite; and
• protect small stock from the cold in sheds.

Although slightly higher temperatures are predicted from tomorrow, the maximum for the rest of the week will most likely be under the 20s. 

Snow on the Nelson Mandela Bridge towards the Johannesburg CBD.

Photo: Duwayne Tobias