WATCH | Snow in Joburg, fires for warmth: Gauteng battles freezing cold

Sleet

Johannesburg – Sleet and snow have been reported in several parts of Johannesburg and Gauteng on Tuesday, with snowfall sightings in Meyersdal, Alberton, Glenvista, Kensington and Germiston.

Gauteng Weather reported the first sightings of sleet mixed with snow in Germiston and surrounding areas, as the province experiences an intense cold snap.

The last confirmed snowfall in Johannesburg was on 10 July 2023, when several parts of the city and province were covered in snow.

Tuesday is expected to be the coldest day of the current weather system, with Johannesburg forecast to reach 1°C to 4°C, Vereeniging 0°C to 5°C, and Pretoria 3°C to 7°C.

Light snowfall is also possible in southern Gauteng.

Meanwhile, the Gauteng provincial government has urged residents to take precautions as freezing temperatures, icy rain and hazardous road conditions affect the province.

Residents have been warned to exercise caution when using heaters, stoves, candles, paraffin appliances, braziers and open fires, while motorists and pedestrians have been urged to take extra care on wet and slippery roads.

The provincial government also warned against illegal electricity connections and reckless travel during the cold snap.

Motorists and pedestrians have also been urged to take extra care on wet and potentially slippery roads, while residents have been warned against illegal electricity connections and unnecessary travel during the cold spell.

The freezing conditions have already affected residents in parts of Johannesburg. Footage shared on social media showed pedestrians in Hillbrow gathering around a burning tyre for temporary warmth.

The cold weather is expected to persist as Gauteng experiences the most severe conditions of the current weather system.

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