Johannesburg hit by bitter cold as 2 000 power outages reported

Johannesburg has woken to a bitterly cold morning, with possible snowfall and more than 2 000 electricity outages adding to concerns across the city.

The weather system sweeping through Gauteng has brought rain, falling temperatures and increased demand for electricity as residents turn to heaters and other appliances to keep warm.

The City of Johannesburg issued a public safety warning on Monday, urging residents to prepare for a sharp drop in temperatures as the developing weather system brings cold, cloudy and wet conditions.

🚨STATEMENT 🚨
PUBLIC SAFETY MMC URGES RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR SEVERE COLD WEATHER
AND POSSIBLE SNOWFALL

The City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety MMC is urging residents to take necessary
precautions as very cold weather conditions are expected across Johannesburg and parts of… pic.twitter.com/8xmFd6YYSz

COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) August 10, 2026

The warning remains relevant today, with the worst of the cold snap expected across Gauteng on Tuesday. Current weather reports indicate that snow remains possible in parts of the province, particularly higher-lying areas.

Snow remains a possibility in Gauteng

For Joburg residents hoping to see snow, the forecast comes with an important caveat. Snowfall is not guaranteed across the city, and conditions can change as the weather system develops.

The City has urged residents to rely on official updates from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) rather than social media speculation.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Emergency Management Services and other City departments are monitoring the weather.

The cold also brings practical concerns for households. Residents have been advised to keep children, older people and other vulnerable community members warm.

The City has urged caution when using heaters, candles, paraffin stoves and braziers. Rooms should be properly ventilated when combustion-based heating is used.

Drivers urged to take extra care

Wet, slippery or potentially icy roads could make Tuesday’s commute more challenging.

Motorists have been advised to reduce their speed, leave more following distance and make sure their tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers are in good working order.

Residents have also been encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather and check on vulnerable neighbours.

Power outages add to Joburg’s cold-weather concerns

According to enca live updates the cold snap is also putting pressure on Johannesburg’s electricity network, with City Power reportedly dealing with more than 2 000 outages across the metro as of 7am on Tuesday.

The utility said increased use of heaters, geysers and stoves during the cold weather is placing additional strain on the power grid, while rain is making repair work more difficult. Residents have been urged to reduce electricity consumption where possible, particularly during peak periods.

For households already relying on electric heating to stay warm, the widespread outages could add another challenge as temperatures fall. Residents should continue monitoring City Power and City of Johannesburg updates for information about faults and restoration times.