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.

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.

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.

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.