The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says the cold front that is currently sweeping through Gauteng is expected to pass on Wednesday.

Residents have been advised to keep warm and be extra cautious when using heating devices to prevent fire incidents.

The SAWS  says localised flooding and snowfall is also expected in some areas, as a result of the cold front sweeping through several parts of the country.

The Service’s Forecaster, Lehlohonolo Thobela says, “With 80% rain and showers being observed over most parts of the province, we are expecting cold temperatures to continue into tomorrow and we expecting cold temperatures to last up until Wednesday, but we are seeing normal temperatures that are expected in winter that won’t be as cold as what we are getting today.”

The City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) is on high alert due to the predicted extreme cold temperatures throughout the week.

DEMS Spokesperson William Ntladi says residents are warned of an increased risk of structural fires and urges residents to exercise caution.

Ntladi says, “While the city remains vigilant to deal with any emergency and educating people through the Winter Awareness Campaign in different areas around the city, DEMS calls on residents to play their part in fire safety practices. Resilient communities are judged by fewer numbers of incidents even with extreme cold weather conditions.”

VIDEO | SA Weather Report  | 09 June 2025:

Motorists warned

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) is urging motorists to exercise extreme caution whilst driving today, due to wet and slippery conditions.

JMPD Spokesperson, Xolani Fihla says, “As the JMPD, we are appealing to all motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads as wet weather conditions persist. Rain significantly reduces visibility and makes the road slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.”

Fihla says, “We urge motorists to reduce vehicle speed to allow for greater reaction time, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, three car lengths, ensure that your vehicle headlights are on even during the day. Switching on your headlights does increase your visibility to other road users.”

Eastern Cape authorities are also urging motorists to exercise extreme caution as snowfall has been reported on the Wapadsberg Pass along the R61 between Nxuba and Graaff-Reinet.

Provincial Department of Transport Spokesperson Unathi Binqose says the road remains open for now, but drivers are advised to travel only if necessary.

Binqose also says the N6 between Komani and Cathcart has been closed following a truck accident involving hazardous chemical spillage, cleanup operations are underway.

He says, “We expect a very disruptive day on our roads as the weather conditions are less than ideal. The metric has plummeted down to below two digits in some of those areas that are prone to snowfall, your Graaf Reiner’s, your Cradock/ Nxuba and there are many other mountain areas.”

“No roads have been closed as yet, but we are keeping a close eye and when the need arises to close the roads, we won’t hesitate. The least we are calling from our road users is to understand because that will be done in the interest of their safety.” –Additional reporting by Nonhlanhla Ntshingila and Sisipho Ngcumbe.

VIDEO | A cold snap grips South Africa: