South Africa braces for cold front bringing freezing temps, rain and snow

A cold front is sweeping across South Africa, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and wet, windy conditions. In Gauteng, Johannesburg is expected to see temperatures near freezing on Friday, prompting emergency services to warn residents to use heating devices safely to avoid home fires.

The same system is set to affect the Western and Eastern Cape, bringing heavy downpours, localized flooding, and snowfall in mountainous areas. Authorities have issued warnings about disruptive rain, fast‑moving streams, road and bridge closures, and hazardous conditions for small vessels along the coast.