Gauteng Braces for Cold Front: Emergency Services on High Alert

Blankets Out, Braziers On: Gauteng Grits Its Teeth Against Cold Front

Severe weather sparks emergency readiness as residents face freezing temperatures and possible thunderstorms

Winter has officially announced its presence in Gauteng, not with a soft whisper of frost, but with a warning shout. As a cut-off low-pressure system drags bone-chilling cold, rain and even a whisper of potential snow across the province, emergency services in Johannesburg and Tshwane are on high alert.

Blankets are flying off shelves, heaters are coming out of storage, and across WhatsApp groups, Joburgers are joking about “possibly seeing snow in Soweto.” But beneath the memes and mugs of Milo lies a very real concern: extreme weather means elevated risk.

Johannesburg EMS: Caution, Not Panic

Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for Johannesburg Emergency Services, confirmed the city is closely monitoring all seven regions.

“It is extremely cold in most parts of Johannesburg,” Mulaudzi said. “We urge residents to exercise caution, especially when using heating devices like braziers, imbaula, and paraffin heaters.”

These devices, though common in many homes, are a leading cause of residential fires in winter. In past years, entire families have lost their homes or worse, to unattended heating sources. Mulaudzi’s plea is simple: keep warm, but stay safe.

Johannesburg residents can call 011 375-5911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Tshwane EMS: Thunderstorms, Flooding, and Hail Incoming

Over in Tshwane, the warning bells are also ringing. Emergency Services spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni confirmed a yellow Level 3 warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for severe thunderstorms, including the chance of small hail, flash flooding, and wind damage.

“Rainfall could reach up to 20mm per hour in some areas,” Mnguni warned. “The cut-off low is expected to keep temperatures low and weather conditions unstable.”

Residents in low-lying areas and flood-prone zones have been urged to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and report any emergency situations.

Tshwane residents can reach out via 012 358-6300/6400 in emergencies.

But…Will It Snow?

Here’s the question on everyone’s mind: Will Gauteng actually see snow?

While social media buzzed with excitement over rumours of snow flurries in the province’s west, east and southern regions, forecasters have dialled expectations down to “very slight.” The real action, if any, is likely to hit higher elevations near the Magaliesberg or Suikerbosrand areas.

Still, even the idea of snow in Gauteng is enough to send TikTokers rushing outside in their puffer jackets, ready for a selfie with the first flake.

Graupel, Gout and Graze: A Quick Local Weather Glossary

Just in case you’re wondering what graupel is, it’s not a new local energy drink. It’s a soft form of hail that looks like tiny Styrofoam pellets. Alongside sleet, rain, thunderstorms, and maybe snow, this makes for a real buffet of winter weather headed our way.

Also worth noting: strong wind gusts, power cuts, and potential road accidents due to slick surfaces may become more common over the next few days.

Tips to Stay Safe and Warm

While we can’t control the weather, there are a few things everyone can do to keep safe:

• Don’t leave heaters or open flames unattended.

• Avoid overloading power sockets, it’s load-shedding season too.

• Stay updated: Download the WeatherSmart app via Google Play, App Store or Huawei App Gallery.

• Help neighbours in need, especially the elderly, unhoused or those without access to proper heating.

A Province on Ice, But Prepared

Winter in Gauteng is always a unique experience. One day it’s sunshine and iced coffee; the next, it’s sleet warnings and emergency alerts.

While most residents are used to cold snaps, this particular system, driven by a cut-off low over the western interior, has added enough uncertainty for local authorities to take extra precautions.

So, whether you’re bundling up in Soweto, brewing tea in Centurion, or checking your weather app in Midrand, be alert, stay warm, and look out for those around you.

And maybe, just maybe, keep your camera ready. If those snowflakes do fall, you’ll want to catch the moment Gauteng turned white.

{Source: The Citizen}

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