South Africans should prepare for severe winter weather on Thursday, July 2, 2026, with snow, thunderstorms, and a powerful cold front expected.
South Africans can expect another day of harsh winter weather on Thursday, as a powerful cold system continues to affect large parts of the country.
Very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected across the Free State, southern North West, much of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape interior, while severe thunderstorms, disruptive snowfall and dangerous coastal conditions are likely in affected regions.
The Eastern Cape will bear the brunt of the severe weather. Rain and thunderstorm activity are expected to be widespread, with an 80% chance of rain over central and southern interior areas, spreading into parts of the eastern interior.
Severe thunderstorms may produce heavy downpours, localised flooding of low-lying roads and bridges, hail and damaging winds capable of causing damage to infrastructure and settlements.
