South Africa’s Eastern Cape Transformed into a Snowy Wonderland Amid Unexpected November Snowfall
Unusual weather has turned parts of South Africa's Eastern Cape into a winter spectacle, with snowfall covering regions that typically see mild spring weather at this time of year. The snowfall, which began on Sunday, November 2, has blanketed multiple counties in the Eastern Cape, drawing significant attention from locals and meteorologists alike.
Snowfall in Eastern Cape on 5 November
On Tuesday, November 5, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) raised an orange level 5 warning for disruptive snowfall across the region, particularly impacting the high-altitude areas. Snow fell over wide areas, transforming the normally dry landscapes of Chris Hani, Dr Beyers Naudé, and Joe Gqabi district municipalities into a surprising snowy wonderland. Residents from the Karoo towns of Graaff-Reinet, Nxuba (Cradock), and Middelburg shared images and videos on social media, showcasing roads and landscapes covered in an unexpected layer of snow.
Rare November Snowfall in the Karoo
The Karoo is known for its arid climate, and snowfall in November is practically unheard of. According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the snow has created dangerous driving conditions, especially along Mountain Passes, such as the Lootsberg Pass on the N9 between Middelburg and Graaff-Reinet and Wapadsberg Pass between Graaff-Reinet and Nxuba (Cradock). Road safety officials are monitoring these passes closely as icy roads have become a hazard.
Weather Warning Escalates from Yellow to Orange
The South African Weather Service initially issued a yellow level 4 warning on Monday, highlighting the likelihood of cold and wet conditions. By Tuesday, however, the severity increased, and SAWS issued a level 5 orange warning as snowfall intensified, covering even more high-altitude areas across the Eastern Cape. A high-pressure system from the south, combined with cold southerly winds, created conditions for snow and icy weather, resulting in cold to very cold temperatures throughout the province.
Possible Impacts of the November Snow
The unusual snowfall has triggered warnings about potential impacts on daily life and the local economy:
Risk to human life due to extreme cold and road hazards.
Loss of livestock and crops, as the sudden freeze poses a threat to agricultural operations in the affected municipalities.
Road closures along major routes and mountain passes, with icy conditions making travel dangerous.
Hazardous driving conditions due to ice and snow, particularly in areas like the Lootsberg and Wapadsberg Passes.
Affected Areas and Municipalities
The following municipalities and local regions were impacted by the cold weather and snowfall:
- Chris Hani District Municipality
- Joe Gqabi District Municipality
- Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality
- Blue Crane Route Municipality
- Matatiele Municipality
- Umzimvubu Municipality
- Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality
SAWS and the Eastern Cape authorities are continuing to monitor the weather closely, especially as cold weather persists. Residents in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution, particularly when traveling on mountain passes, and to make preparations for freezing temperatures and potential disruptions.
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
