Widespread snowfall no longer indicated for the southern African region but some still possible

By Staff Writer
Published: 21 July 2025 [updated 23 July]

This forecast covers: Sat 26 Jul – Tue 29 Jul


Snowfall is possible from this weekend (26 July 2025) but the widespread snowfall that was indicated in many data sources early this week is no longer indicated.

Snow WAS indicated to be very low level across most of South Africa, Lesotho and even showing up for Botswana and eSwatini.

The data was indicating a very unusual snow event in the advance forecast data, with widespread low-level snowfall and very heavy snowfall in the north of the country (including Guteng).

Considering the potential impact of such a snow event, and considering that it was not particularly far off, we felt it best to inform people of the possibility of the snowfall so that authorities and the general public could plan accordingly SHOULD it have unfolded.

Similarly to the N3 snow disaster in 2024, the early data showed significant snowfall on and off and then started to increase in quantity and coverage (as we've seen with most of the many of the disruptive snow events over the last few years).

Since many days would be needed to plan for the impacts of such a snow event and the related cold, we felt that an advance forecast was vital with clear notices that the forecast could change – better to prepare than risk an even larger scale disaster than in 2024.

We know that our advance forecasts helped greatly to reduce the impact of the N3 snow disaster in 2024, by reaching a significant amount of people who changed their plans or prepared for their travels, because we have received significant feedback.

At this point only light snowfall is still indicated for this weekend, mainly in the Eastern Cape.

It is important to note that the previous forecast was NOT saying where there would be snow but rather where there MAY be snow based on current data at the time.

ALSO READ: More snowfall possible for South Africa and Lesotho by Friday.

If you are planning to travel through areas that may get snow, or there is a chance that you may get caught in your vehicle in snow, it is worth being prepared by reading our article on safe winter travel.


The map indicates where we are seeing the possibility of snow, but it may not fall in all of the areas shown on the map. As with any forecast of any kind (temperature, clouds, rain, wind), what eventually happens may or may not be similar to the forecast. Snow indicated may reduce or vanish completely in some areas, or the dates and times may change.


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