More snowfall possible with disruptive snow at higher elevations

15 September 2022 [updated 20 September]
By Staff Writer



Snowfall is possible for the high ground in parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, as well as Lesotho from late Sunday through Wednesday.

Lower-level snow that is reachable with a normal vehicle has already fallen, and slightly more is still possible in a number of areas.

The snow indicated for the Free State on our map is of a lower probability than for other areas, but is still possible. This includes Fouriesburg, Clarens, Golden Gate National Park, Harrismith and a few other areas.

The current data indicates heavier snowfall is expect for the higher ground in the areas of the Eastern Cape marked in purple on our map, with around 30cm possible on the highest peaks. The Barkly Pass between Barkly East and Elliot is likely to see enough snow to make the pass rather challenging, according to current data.

The South African Weather Service noted that snowfall of a more significant and disruptive nature should be anticipated over the eastern peaks of the Lesotho Drakensberg mountains, as well as higher peaks of the Eastern Cape. They suggested a warning for disruptive snowfalls in the Barkly East and Tiffindell areas on Monday night, and this unfolded to some degree with more snow still possible. Their warning also included isolated loss of vulnerable livestock and crops.

The high ground around Molteno, Dordrecht, Barkly East, Elliot, Ugie, Maclear, Mount Fletcher, Matatiele and nearby places are also in the possible snow zone.

Parts of Lesotho are also currently indicated to get good snowfall between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lower-level snow has fallen and is also possible for the Southern Drakensberg around Underberg, Himeville, Kokstad, Swartberg and nearby areas. Please check our feature articles on Sani Pass options and safety if you're considering an adventure up the pass, and also the feature on access to Lesotho via Fouriesburg.

The snow began falling on Monday afternoon and will likely continue through Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday. The total snow indicated on the latest map includes snow that has already fallen since Monday.

The team will be traveling from time-to-time with our new SNOW DOG , highlighting the wonderful dog-friendly places to enjoy a nice getaway for both SnowReport and a new all year round travel channel. If your establishment would like to take advantage of the exposure by hosting us please send a whatsapp to 081 561 4213.

The map indicates where SnowReportSA is 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.

We have a FREE channel on Telegram Messenger, so please download it if you want to be the first to know when snow is forecast or photos are posted.

Click to join our Telegram Channel

Please be sure to send photos and videos to us via whatsapp to 081 251 8029. Please note on snow days we do not have the capacity to answer questions so please watch our facebook page to see what is happening. Note that we do NOT send out updates or answer questions on whatsapp at all.

Don't miss the opportunity to reach a large audience by advertising your brand or service with one of SA's most loved media channels.

* Please note SnowReportSA's updated terms & conditions for the use of our forecasts, maps, images and video by other media and channels. Sharing, where permitted by us, must be done using standard sharing buttons (it is NEVER acceptable to download or screen grab and repost our content). Use of ANY of our content by other news media channels, commercial or otherwise, requires an arrangement with us. Do NOT assume that your organisation already has one in place because you have seen our content used on your website or social media in the past.