There were plenty of warnings issued by the South African Weather Service earlier in the week regarding the possibility for heavy snow falls as well as very cold temperatures across large parts of the country. They were spot on as temperatures dropped to below zero in many parts, with maximum temperatures in Elliot peaking at just under 4'C. Another 48 stations recorded maximum temperatures of under 13'C. As could be expected, these cod day time temperatures were coupled with the falling of heavy snow which closed roads in parts of the Eastern Cape. Many parts of the Drakensburg are now under a blanket of snow, though conditions should be recovering soon as the cold front which slipped past to the south before heading up the east coast makes it's way out to sea. Though low morning temperatures can be expected in the days following the progression of the front.

Below a satellite image courtesy of the SAWDIS & NOAA taken on the 23 July shows the cold air as the front moves to the east.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead over the next week there will not be much activity as a high pressure system should remain dominant, though a weak- but fairly large cut-off low system will move down the west coast of South Africa around day 6, and this will have the chance of bringing a few showers to the Western Cape area.

Edit : Credit correction.