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So Close, Yet So Dry: Gauteng Misses Snow Again While Storms Brew Elsewhere

Published

2 months ago

July 23, 2025

Chiraag

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It’s the great Joburg snow tease of 2025. Once again, flurries were forecast, hopes were high, cameras were ready… and nothing happened. For the third time in two years, Gauteng was promised a taste of winter magic. But once again, the snow veered south.

The hype, the hope, and the let-down

Earlier this week, Gauteng and parts of the North West were abuzz with talk of snowfall. Social media lit up with memories of the last time Joburg turned white in July 2023, with locals sharing throwback pictures and checking weather apps like they were lottery tickets. This time felt like “third time lucky.”

But, as meteorologists have reminded us, snow in Gauteng is rare for a reason. It takes a perfect storm, literally. According to Vox Weather, snowfall requires the ideal combination of rain, freezing air, and the right atmospheric pressure. Miss even one of those ingredients, and it’s a no-go.

This week, the cold front shifted slightly, and with that, Joburg’s chances of snow melted away.

So where is the snow falling?

Instead of Gauteng, the snow is now expected to blanket parts of the Eastern Cape, Lesotho, the southern Free State, and other high-lying regions.

These areas are far more likely to see snow during South Africa’s winter, thanks to their altitude and geographic positioning. So while Joburgers shiver under grey skies, towns in the Drakensberg foothills may be enjoying actual snowflakes.

KZN on storm watch as Gauteng stays dry

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal is dealing with something more dangerous than disappointment. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for heavy rainfall this weekend, especially in vulnerable areas like informal settlements and flood-prone zones.

The expected downpours could lead to localised flooding, slippery roads, and increased risk of accidents. SAWS is urging residents to avoid low-lying routes and to stay informed.

Local reactions: Snow fatigue and weather whiplash

By now, Gauteng residents are no strangers to snow disappointment. Many Joburgers took to social media with a mix of sarcasm and resignation.

“Snow in Joburg is like Eskom promises, full of hope but never delivers.”
“I cancelled a Zoom call to stare out the window for flakes. Nothing. Just wet washing weather.”

Some joked that they had their boots and beanies ready just in case, while others rolled their eyes at what’s starting to feel like an annual prank from the weather gods.

What’s ahead for Joburg?

While Gauteng won’t be seeing snow this time, a cold front is still moving in, so expect colder, windier conditions over the weekend. No snow, but definitely soup weather.

And who knows? Maybe next time the flakes will fall. Until then, Joburg remains snowless but not short on weather drama.