A Severe Cold Winter Episode is Gripping the Country

Pretoria residents are being urged to brace for an unusually severe winter episode, as a powerful cold front sweeps across the country.

Although the capital hasn’t seen snowfall like the Eastern Cape and mountain regions, spillover effects—dangerous driving conditions, potential power outages and sharply colder-than-normal temperatures—are already being felt.

National Crisis, Local Impact
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued widespread red and orange warnings for the cold front, which has claimed at least seven lives in the Eastern Cape through flooding and storm-related accidents. In towns such as Mthatha and Tsolo, children were tragically swept away by swollen rivers, and several rural road networks are impassable under water or snow. Eskom is under severe strain, and Pretoria’s load-shedding schedules may become unpredictable as transmission lines suffer storm damage. Although Pretoria hasn’t experienced snow, sub-normal daytime highs and freezing-cold nights are stressing infrastructure and emergency services alike.

7-Day Forecast for Pretoria
Expect predominantly sunny to “hazy sun” skies through Tuesday, June 17, with unseasonably low temperatures and very unhealthy air quality. Daily highs will range between 16 °C and 21 °C, while lows plunge to 4 °C–7 °C.

June 11 (Wed): High 17 °C, Low 4 °C – Plenty of sunshine, but air quality very unhealthy.
June 12 (Thu): High 19 °C, Low 4 °C – Hazy sun persists; AQI remains very unhealthy.
June 13 (Fri): High 19 °C, Low 5 °C – Hazy sun continues; precautions advised.
June 14 (Sat): High 21 °C, Low 5 °C – Hazy sun; UV remains high despite winter.
June 15 (Sun): High 19 °C, Low 5 °C – Clear skies; mornings still frigid.
June 16 (Mon): High 20 °C, Low 5 °C – Times of sun and clouds; check morning roads.
June 17 (Tue): High 18 °C, Low 7 °C – Sunny, but cold nights linger.

Practical Safety Advice

Limit Travel: Roads—especially in outlying and elevated areas—may develop black ice before dawn. Only drive if necessary; slow down and maintain extra distance.
Power-Outage Preparedness: With Eskom under duress, load-shedding could strike unexpectedly. Have fully charged power banks, torches and safe heating (e.g. gas heaters, fire-safe electric blankets) on standby.
Stay Informed: Monitor real-time updates from SAWS, the City of Tshwane’s alert portal and reputable news outlets. Conditions can deteriorate with little warning.
Health Precautions: Prolonged cold exposure can trigger hypothermia, especially in the elderly, infants and those with chronic illnesses. Dress in layers indoors and out, and keep vulnerable family members warm.
Flood Awareness: Low-lying zones such as Centurion, Lynnwood Glen and the Moot remain at risk of flash floods. Never cross or drive through moving water—just 15 cm can sweep a person off their feet.
Air Quality Management: With AQI levels in the “very unhealthy” bracket, residents with respiratory issues should minimise outdoor exertion and consider using indoor air purifiers or N95/P2 masks.

Key Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 012 310 6400
City of Tshwane Disaster Management: 012 358 5911
Eskom Fault Reporting: 086 003 7566

Looking Ahead
SAWS predicts the cold front to linger into mid-week, with intermittent rain and a chance of hail in Gauteng. Although Pretoria is unlikely to see snow, the ripple effects—icy backroads, flash floods and strain on power infrastructure—will persistingly challenge daily routines. Residents must stay indoors when possible, plan for sudden outages and prioritise safety until the system moves on.