Weather expert explains cause of SA’s cold snap

Climatologist at Wits University’s School of Geography, Professor Jennifer Fitchett, says the cold, wet weather and snowfall affecting parts of South Africa are being caused by a strong cut-off low over the country’s interior.

This comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warns that some of the coldest conditions of the season are expected across Gauteng and other parts of the country this week.

Fitchett says, unlike cold fronts that usually move through relatively quickly, a cut-off low can remain over one area for an extended period, bringing very cold and moisture-rich conditions.

“A cut-off low, which is a section of cold, low-pressure air that broke away from the main weather system, became stationary and positioned over the interior.”

She says the snowfall seen in some areas could continue.

“The small flurries that we’ve seen this morning are likely to continue through the day, and we may even see greater amounts of snow towards the evening.”

The cold snap is also placing pressure on electricity infrastructure.

City Power has urged Johannesburg residents to reduce electricity consumption as cold and wet weather places added pressure on the network.

The power utility says it received a high number of outage reports over the weekend, affecting areas including Lenasia, Roodepoort, Midrand and Randburg.

City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, says electricity demand rises during cold weather as households and businesses increase their use of heaters, geysers, stoves and other high-consumption appliances.

“This sudden increase in demand places considerable strain on the distribution network and can result in overloaded transformers, mini-substations, cables and other electricity infrastructure. Protection equipment may also trip to prevent more extensive damage, resulting in localised outages. The situation is more difficult in areas where electricity infrastructure is already operating close to or beyond its designed capacity because of illegal connections, meter bypassing, informal settlements, unplanned developments and the continued increase in backyard dwellings.

“The wet weather is also affecting some restoration work on the ground. A number of electricity faults, particularly underground cable faults, require technicians to conduct fault finding followed by excavation and trenching to expose the affected cable before repairs can begin. Where the ground is waterlogged, excavation may be unsafe or impractical, while open trenches can accumulate water and expose electrical infrastructure to further risk.”

Mangena says adverse weather conditions are also delaying some repairs, as teams may have to wait for conditions to improve or take additional safety measures before repair work can safely begin.

Meanwhile, the Gauteng government has appealed to residents to exercise extreme caution when using heaters, stoves, candles, paraffin appliances, braziers or open fires to keep warm.

Provincial spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, says heating and cooking devices should never be left unattended, especially while people are sleeping.

“They must be kept away from curtains, bedding, clothing and other flammable materials, and homes must have adequate ventilation where applicable. Residents are urged never to use unsafe methods of heating that could result in carbon monoxide poisoning or a house fire. Tragically, efforts to keep warm during winter can lead to devastating fires and loss of life when basic safety precautions are ignored.”

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has also warned motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads during these conditions.

JMPD Spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, says wet roads significantly reduce tyre grip, increase stopping distances, and raise the risk of skidding or hydroplaning.

The department has also shared safety driving tips:

* Slow Down: Drive well below the posted limit to maintain traction on slippery asphalt.

* Increase Following Distance: Keep a gap of 3–4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead to allow safe braking room.

* Switch On Low Beams: Drive with dipped headlights on for visibility (do not use hazard lights while moving).

* Drive Smoothly: Avoid harsh braking, sudden acceleration, or sharp steering movements.

* Avoid Standing Water: Never drive through deep puddles or flooded low-lying bridges.

* Stay Alert for Pedestrians: Pedestrians are urged to use marked crossings, as reduced visibility makes them harder to see.

🚨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

❄️ GAUTENG SNOW: Sleet with bigger snow flakes in between falling in Germiston and Bedfordview now. More videos posted on our social media. See https://t.co/qs5oMScTA4 for links. #snow #gautengsnow #weather pic.twitter.com/ovOCGVizNN

— Snow Report Southern Africa (@SnowReportSA) August 11, 2026

This weather is abusive..

— Thomas Mlambo (@thomasmlambo) August 10, 2026

Was the weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service with consideration given to the fact that it was a long weekend, and that there was likely to be a significant increase in the number of travellers on the roads?

— CertifiedEcoTourismDoyenne (@ms_tourist) August 10, 2026