Johannesburg and Pretoria to plunge below freezing as winter finally makes itself felt

Winter has officially announced its arrival in Gauteng, not with a whisper, but with a full-body shiver. This week, residents across the province are being urged to layer up, heat safely, and brace for the bitter cold as a powerful cold front sets in, bringing sub-zero temperatures and icy winds that are expected to grip the region through the weekend.

-2°C in Joburg? Ja, it’s happening

According to Gauteng Weather, Johannesburg is headed for a low of -2°C on Friday, with daytime highs barely crawling above 11°C. In Pretoria, it won’t be much better, with the capital city forecast to dip to a freezing 0°C and reach only 13°C at its warmest.

If you’re feeling like your bones are already cold just reading that — you’re not alone. Social media has already erupted with memes of bundled-up babies and steaming cups of rooibos, as South Africans joke their way through the coming chill.

“Already dusted off the umakoti blanket and the paraffin heater – now just waiting for Eskom not to play games,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Winter Solstice Sets the Mood

The timing couldn’t be more textbook: South Africa marked the winter solstice on Saturday, the shortest day and longest night of the year. The sun rose at 6:53am and dipped below the horizon by 5:25pm — a cosmic reminder that the season of hot water bottles and mohair socks is in full swing.

Fire Safety First: Emergency Services on High Alert

But beneath the cozy Instagram captions and kettle-boiled survival plans, emergency services are on high alert. The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has warned that cold weather often leads to a spike in house fires, as residents turn to heaters, candles, braziers and paraffin stoves — sometimes unsafely.

“We urge residents not to leave any heating devices unattended and to keep flammable items well away from open flames,” EMS said.

In many townships and informal settlements, residents rely on open fires and paraffin stoves, which significantly increase fire risk during winter.

For life-threatening emergencies, residents can contact the Emergency Services Call Centre on 011 375 5911.

It’s Not Just Gauteng: Cold Front Rolls Over SA

While Gauteng hunkers down, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) is warning of a much broader impact. The cold front is expected to first lash the Western and Northern Cape provinces from Wednesday, bringing with it:

• Heavy rainfall

• Strong interior winds

• Gale force coastal winds

• Snowfall on high ground

• Damaging waves and rough seas

SAWS has issued yellow-level warnings for both damaging waves and winds, especially between Plettenberg Bay and East London, as well as Port Alfred.

A Time of Struggle and Solidarity

For many South Africans, winter isn’t just about chilly toes, it’s a reminder of inequality. In informal settlements and underserved areas, keeping warm is a daily battle, and fire-related disasters are all too common.

NGOs and local churches often increase efforts to distribute blankets, jackets, and warm meals during these weeks. If you’re looking to help, now’s the time to donate to a winter drive in your area.

Bundle Up, Boil the Kettle, and Stay Safe

Whether you’re in Sandton with central heating or in Soweto warming hands over a brazier, one thing is certain: Gauteng’s winter bite is real this week. Take precautions, check in on your neighbours, and keep those heaters far from curtains.

And if your boiler’s on the blink, remember, two hot water bottles are better than one.

{Source: The Citizen}

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