Snowfalls and damaging winds across parts of South Africa
Cloudy and cold conditions with scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected in parts of the country on Monday, while snow is belting down in some areas.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has warned a cold front accompanied by a cut-off low is expected to affect the Free State, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, southern parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, persisting into Tuesday.
The weather service advised that very cold and windy conditions, snowfall over mountainous areas and rough to very rough seas in coastal areas can be expected.
KZN – #SNOW Drakensberg Gardens(north of Underberg) Monday 10th August 2026 pic.twitter.com/St4P50hwPu
KZN – N2 Route: #SNOW Kokstad / Harding section via @ThahlaKaFaku pic.twitter.com/FPC5Oop6mw
Saws has issued an orange level 6 warning for disruptive snow over the Chris Hani District, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele municipalities in the Eastern Cape until Tuesday.
A yellow level 4 warning has been issued for damaging winds and waves along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The conditions may disrupt small harbours and ports, pose a danger to navigation and coastal activities, and cause damage to infrastructure and settlements.
Damaging winds may also affect formal and informal settlements along the KwaZulu-Natal coast and the north-eastern adjacent interior, with the risk of injuries and danger to life from flying debris.
The weather service has issued a yellow level 2 warning for disruptive snow, which is expected to result in localised traffic disruptions, isolated losses of livestock and crops, and localised disruptions to services in parts of the Eastern Cape, including the Dr Beyers Naudé, Blue Crane, Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlathi, Intsika Yethu, Dr AB Xuma, Mhlontlo and Mzimvubu municipalities, and the eastern and southern parts of the Free State along the Lesotho border and western parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The warning is in effect until Tuesday.
In Gauteng, cloudy and cold conditions with scattered showers and thundershowers are expected, with light snowfall expected in the south at night.
Saws said in Mpumalanga light snowfall can be expected over the southern Highveld and escarpment areas at night.
The weather service issued a yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain, which may lead to localised flooding of susceptible settlements, roads and bridges over the Nyandeni, Port St Johns, Ingquza Hill and Bizana municipalities in the Eastern Cape and the extreme southern and western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The N3 toll concession (N3TC) warned that icy conditions, light snowfall, rain and freezing temperatures are affecting parts of the N3 toll route on Monday morning.
The concession said a dusting of snow has been reported around Swinburne, with rain and sleet affecting areas between Mooi River and Warden.
Chief N3TC operating officer Thania Dhoogra said these conditions may cause hazardous driving conditions during the day.
“As a precaution, our route operations teams have begun to apply brine across all lanes from the bottom of Van Reenen’s Pass towards Harrismith. This process is to help prevent the formation of black ice, and will be extended to other areas of the road should weather conditions require it,” said Dhoogra.
She said busy northbound traffic towards Gauteng is expected today as the Women’s Day long weekend draws to a close.
Dhoogra said the combination of increased traffic volumes, adverse weather conditions and construction activities will most likely result in slower travelling conditions and possible delays.
“Road users are urged to factor the weather and expected traffic volumes into their travel plans today. Allow additional travel time, reduce speed, increase following distances, avoid overtaking unnecessarily and keep headlights switched on. Drivers are reminded to follow the instructions of traffic officials and adhere to traffic signs. These measures are in place to safely manage traffic under challenging conditions and to protect all road users,” Dhoogra said.
She has advised road users to be prepared for every possibility, cautioning them to always keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including warm clothing and blankets, water, food, medication, a charged cellphone and charger, and a torch.
The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) in KwaZulu-Natal has closed some roads in Kokstad, Kingscot, and Underberg. The R617 has been closed, and traffic is being redirected to the R56.
The provincial transport department is asking members of the public to delay road trips and to remain indoors.
A truck stuck on the R617 as traffic officials confirm snowfall in Kokstad, Underberg, Matatiele and the Nottingham Road area. Picture: (KZN transport department) The Eastern Cape transport department said three mountain passes in the northern parts of the province are closed due to heavy snowfall:
Several vehicles are stranded, with emergency personnel on the ground working to assist and rescue affected motorists.
Road users are urged to avoid these routes until further notice and not to attempt to drive through closed passes and snow-covered roads.
If already travelling in affected areas, motorists are advised to seek a safe location and follow instructions from emergency and traffic officials.
The department said drivers must not overtake or make sudden braking or steering movements on icy and slippery roads.