Could It Snow in Gauteng Again? The Weather Has South Africans Talking

Social media is buzzing, but the clouds haven’t made up their mind. Is snow really coming back to Joburg?

A Chilly Déjà Vu

If you were in Johannesburg on 10 July 2023, you’ll remember it clearly. That rare hush fell over the city, replaced by the soft crunch of fresh snow. Sidewalks dusted white, kids in scarves built awkward snowmen, and adults pulled out their phones to capture the surreal moment.

Now, just over two years later, Gauteng is once again on snow watch, and South Africans are waiting with a mix of hope and skepticism.

Snow in the Forecast, But Don’t Bet the House

Weather outlets like Snow Report SA and Vox Weather have teased a slim possibility of light snow or sleet in Gauteng late Wednesday into early Thursday. The Magaliesburg region in the west may stand a slightly better chance of flurries, while the rest of the province might just see cold rain or isolated showers.

It’s not the first time this year that forecasts have hinted at snow in the province and not the first time those forecasts have disappointed.

Still, the very mention of snow sends shivers (and excitement) through Gauteng’s social media. X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok are lighting up with photos from 2023, wishful memes, and skeptical “I’ll believe it when I see it” posts.

Weather Drama Brewing Elsewhere

While Johannesburg may or may not get a magical white morning, other parts of the country are definitely in for some dramatic skies.

According to the South African Weather Service (Saws), a strong cut-off low pressure system is forming in the west and making its way east. This system is expected to bring a powerful mix of rain, snow, sleet, and even graupel (a slushy snow-hail hybrid) to parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Lesotho, and Eastern Cape.

More seriously, weather warnings have been issued:

• Yellow Level 1 Thunderstorm Warning: For Free State and eastern Northern Cape, where hailstorms may damage property, vehicles, and crops.

• Coastal Warning: Damaging waves are expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay, with potential disruptions to beachfront areas.

A Cultural Moment for Cold Weather

South Africa doesn’t get snow often and when it does, it’s a cultural moment. From kids in townships building snowmen with garden gloves to selfie-snapping tourists clogging highways to find the white stuff, the country treats snow like a gift from the heavens.

In urban Gauteng, where winters are typically dry, snow still feels like something out of a dream. But that dream isn’t entirely impossible. In 2023, people doubted it too, until flakes began to fall.

Our Verdict? Prepare for Rain, Hope for Snow

Realistically, Gauteng residents should gear up for cool, cloudy weather and isolated thundershowers, especially in the south of the province. If we’re lucky, the west might get a sprinkling, but don’t plan your day around a snowball fight just yet.

Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on the skies and your weather apps. And maybe, just maybe, dig out that beanie. Just in case.

{Source: The Citizen}

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