Light snowfall expected in Gauteng

Widespread snow predicted for the weekend could even spread to Gauteng next week.

Vox Weather said the European ECMWF weather model is picking up the slight possibility of snow dusting over Gauteng.

Also read: Cold weekend expected for Pretoria

“It is worth mentioning that the ECMWF model tends to be overconfident, and the forecast will change significantly as the COL moves over the country.”

Meanwhile, freezing levels are expected to drop significantly starting on Saturday.

Up to 10cm of widespread snow is expected in parts of South Africa, including the Cape Provinces, Lesotho, and central South Africa this weekend.

“Freezing levels are expected to drop significantly from Saturday as a strong cut-off low is expected to bring rain, snow, and a significant drop in temperature across the Cape Provinces, Lesotho, central SA, and our neighboring country Namibia.”

It said the first snow will start falling on Saturday around the escarpment and the high-lying areas in the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, near near Molteno and Philipstown.

Here are some tips from Snow News:

• Our animals, especially indoor/outdoor pets, probably do not have an adequate cold coat for protection in these very low temperatures.
• Hypothermia and dehydration are the two most probable life-threatening conditions for animals in cold weather, wet conditions and wind-chill add greatly to the cold-stress for animals.
• Livestock should be provided with wind-break and roof shelter, and monitored for signs of discomfort (extensive shivering, weakness, lethargy, etc.)
• It is critical that animals have access to drinking water. Usual water sources may freeze solid in low temperatures and dehydration becomes a life-threatening factor. Many of our animals, especially the young, may not know how or be unable to break several inches of ice to reach water. In general, animals tend to drink less in extreme cold, risking dehydration.
• Adding a warm sloppy bran mash, sloppy moistened beet pulp or soaking pelleted feed in warm water is a good way to add water to your horses; diet and provide some comfort food; in the cold weather.
• Select frost-tolerant plants over frost-prone areas
• Place cold-sensitive plants in protected locations, western and northern exposures, full sun, or lock walls.
• Do not prune cold-damaged plants until they begin growing in spring.

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