City warns of fresh cold front as Johannesburg prepares for icy weekend

What authorities are saying

“Cold snap and possibility of rainfall in most parts of the City of Johannesburg from this Thursday going into the weekend,”

said City of Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi.

Precautions and emergency readiness

Mulaudzi urged residents to be vigilant and take precautions when using heating devices. He specifically warned about heaters, braziers, imbaula/paraffin stoves and candles, and advised that these devices should not be left unattended while in use to prevent home fires during extremely cold conditions.

Emergency services are on high alert, with the City monitoring all seven regions and targeting vulnerable communities and informal settlements to ensure an effective response to any incidents during the cold front.

Residents were given the Emergency Management Services Command and Control Centre number for life‑threatening emergencies: 011 375 5911.

National weather warnings

The South African Weather Service (Saws) has forecast cloudy, partly cloudy and cool conditions across much of the country, with showers, thundershowers and rain also expected. Saws issued a yellow level 1 warning for damaging winds in parts of the Northern Cape, covering routes and localised problems for high‑sided vehicles in specified municipalities until Saturday.

For Gauteng, the weather service said the province will be partly cloudy at first, then cloudy and cool, with conditions being cold in the south.

How to stay safe

• Exercise caution when using heaters, braziers, imbaula/paraffin stoves or candles.
• Do not leave heating devices unattended while in use.
• Contact the Emergency Management Services Command and Control Centre on 011 375 5911 for life‑threatening emergencies.

The City and emergency services continue to monitor the situation as the cold front moves across the region.