Latest news with #MichelleduPlessis
The Citizen
a day ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Light snow possible in Gauteng this week
Light snow possible in Gauteng this week Light snow is expected in Gauteng this week. If you thought the worst of the cold was over, think again — a powerful cold front is expected to move in from Wednesday, bringing widespread icy conditions across much of the country, with Gauteng in for a particularly chilly week VoxWeather forecaster Michelle du Plessis say the system is supported by a steep upper-air trough that may develop into a cut-off low, setting the stage for maximum temperatures in Gauteng to stay below 20°C — around 17°C in Pretoria — with a strong chance of rain by Friday. And the big question: Will it snow in Gauteng? While only one weather model (ECMWF) currently shows a slight chance of light snow early Friday morning, forecasters warn that Gauteng snow is infamous for disappearing from the models just as quickly as it appears. It's a minimal chance, but one they're watching closely. The SPCA reminds all animal owners that pets and livestock are just as vulnerable to cold weather and snow as humans. With the extreme conditions expected, the SPCA recommends the following steps to ensure animals stay warm, healthy, and safe: Bring pets indoors: If possible, allow your pets to stay inside the home, especially overnight when temperatures drop the most. Use warm clothing: Consider putting a jersey or pet coat on animals that tolerate it to help retain body heat. Provide warm, dry shelter: For animals that must stay outside, make sure they have access to a dry, draft-free enclosure. The shelter should be just large enough to hold in their body heat but spacious enough to allow them to sit or lie down comfortably. Elevate flooring: Raise the floor of the shelter a few inches off the ground using pallets or mats to prevent cold and dampness from seeping in. Add bedding and blankets: Provide clean, dry bedding with extra blankets or straw to insulate against the cold. Protect livestock: Move livestock to sheltered areas shielded from wind and rain. Ensure they have unfrozen drinking water available at all times. Use heaters with caution: If you use heaters in animal shelters, make sure they cannot burn animals or cause fires. Watch for signs of hypothermia: Symptoms include shivering, lethargy, whining, anxiety, and seeking warmth. If you notice any signs, get your animal inside immediately and consult a veterinarian. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Light snow expected in Gauteng this week
Light snow is expected in Gauteng this week. If you thought the worst of the cold was over, think again — a powerful cold front is expected to move in from Wednesday, bringing widespread icy conditions across much of the country, with Gauteng in for a particularly chilly week VoxWeather forecaster Michelle du Plessis say the system is supported by a steep upper-air trough that may develop into a cut-off low, setting the stage for maximum temperatures in Gauteng to stay below 20°C — around 17°C in Pretoria — with a strong chance of rain by Friday. And the big question: will it snow in Gauteng? While only one weather model (ECMWF) currently shows a slight chance of light snow early Friday morning, forecasters warn that Gauteng snow is infamous for disappearing from the models just as quickly as it appears. It's a minimal chance, but one they're watching closely. The SPCA reminds all animal owners that pets and livestock are just as vulnerable to cold weather and snow as humans. With the extreme conditions expected, the SPCA recommends the following steps to ensure animals stay warm, healthy, and safe: Bring Pets Indoors: If possible, allow your pets to stay inside the home, especially overnight when temperatures drop the most. Use Warm Clothing: Consider putting a jersey or pet coat on animals that tolerate it to help retain body heat. Provide Warm, Dry Shelter: For animals that must stay outside, make sure they have access to a dry, draft-free enclosure. The shelter should be just large enough to hold in their body heat but spacious enough to allow them to sit or lie down comfortably. Elevate Flooring: Raise the floor of the shelter a few inches off the ground using pallets or mats to prevent cold and dampness from seeping in. Add Bedding and Blankets: Provide clean, dry bedding with extra blankets or straw to insulate against the cold. Protect Livestock: Move livestock to sheltered areas shielded from wind and rain. Ensure they have unfrozen drinking water available at all times. Use Heaters With Caution: If you use heaters in animal shelters, make sure they cannot burn animals or cause fires. Watch for Signs of Hypothermia: Symptoms include shivering, lethargy, whining, anxiety, and seeking warmth. If you notice any signs, get your animal inside immediately and consult a veterinarian. Also read: Top five hijacked vehicles in Pretoria – Are you driving one? Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Freezing winds and snowfall deepen South Africa's winter chill
South Africa's winter turned harsh this week as snow, wind chill and icy temperatures swept across the country. As temperatures plunged around the country, the situation has been worsened by strong winds which caused the real temperature to drop even further. Vox weather meteorologist Michelle du Plessis said wind chill refers to the perceived decrease in air temperature the human body feels due to the flow of wind. Wind chill 'When wind blows across exposed skin, it increases the rate of heat loss from the body, making it feel colder than the actual air temperature,' she said. 'This is because moving air strips away the thin layer of warm air that insulates the skin.' Du Plessis said the wind chill index is calculated using a formula developed by the National Weather Service in the US, which considers air temperature and wind speed. 'For example, at 5°C with no wind, it feels like 5°C. At 5°C with a wind of 30km/h, it feels closer to 0°C,' she said. Du Plessis said the UK was generally colder than SA. 'The UK has a temperate maritime climate under the Köppen climate classification with cold, wet and cloudy winters with an average of temperatures – southern England: 0°C to 7°C; northern Scotland: often below 0°C.' Du Plessis said frost, sleet and snow were also more common. ALSO READ: City Power warns Johannesburg residents as cold weather sees spike in outages South Africa's diverse climate 'South Africa has a very diverse climate. The Cape is wet in winter, but Free State, Gauteng, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga are dry in winter.' Du Plessis said average temperatures also vary across the country. But if comparing the coldest places in SA with the coldest places in the UK, she said, the coldest place in the UK was Altnaharra, Scotland in the Scottish Highlands with a record-low temperature of -27.2°C recorded at Altnaharra on 30 December, 1995 and a typical winter low of -5°C to -10°C. In South Africa, the coldest place was Buffelsfontein (Molteno area) in the Eastern Cape, near the Sneeuberg Mountains, with a record low temperature of -20.1°C on 23 August, 2013 and typical winter lows of between -5°C and -15°C during cold spells. Snow in the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal A cut-off low system has already blanketed parts of the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal in snow. Yesterday was the coldest day of the year in Gauteng according to the South African Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to start easing from tomorrow afternoon. Disruptive snow is forecast in parts of the Free State and the Eastern Cape and wet conditions over all provinces except Limpopo and the North West. Gauteng residents can expect cloudy and cold conditions, with isolated showers and rain in the south and cool weather in the extreme north. NOW READ: WATCH: Tornado in the Eastern Cape? Weather service explains
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Life-threatening warnings for snow, rain and gale-force winds issued
South Africans are being urged to prepare for extreme and potentially life-threatening weather, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued 12 impact-based warnings for Tuesday. Including three Orange Level 6 warnings for disruptive snow, torrential rain, and gale-force winds expected to batter the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal. VoxWeather's Michelle du Plessis explains that a strong cut-off low (COL) pressure system will develop over the western interior, following this past weekend's cold front. 'The system will move slowly eastwards across the central interior and is expected to exit the country by Tuesday morning near the Wild Coast and southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal.' She furthermore explained that the biggest danger associated with this system is the tail of the COL. Also known as the scorpion's tail, which will bring the heaviest rain (100MM or more) from Monday evening into Tuesday morning over the central and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape, including OR Tambo, Amathole, Buffalo City, and surrounding municipalities. Du Plessis added that widespread rain of up to 50mm is also likely in parts of the south-eastern Northern Cape, southern Free State, and southern KwaZulu-Natal. #cutofflow #flooding #cold #snowinsa ♬ Curious – Healing And Spirit Health & DJ Hoobidibbie @vox_weather_girls 10 June 2025 | Vox Weather Forecast ⚠️ TAKE NOTE: 12 weather WARNINGS are in place for Tuesday, including three ORANGE Level 6 warnings for heavy snow, torrential rain, and gale-force winds expected in the Eastern Cape and southern KZN. ⚠️IMPACT-BASED WARNINGS issued by SAWS ⚠️ ❄️SNOW: 🟠Orange Level 6: Disruptive snow resulting in danger to life, pass closures and communities cut-off, is expected over Joe Gqabi DM, Enoch Mgijima (Molteno) and Matatiele LMS in the Eastern Cape. 🟡Yellow Level 2: Disruptive Snow is expected over the Chris Hani district municipality, Dr Beyers Naude (Graaff Reinet), Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlathi and Umzimvubu local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. 🌧️RAIN: 🟠Orange Level 6: Disruptive Rain leading to flooding of settlements/property, roads, danger to life with some communities temporarily cut off is expected in places over Amathole, OR Tambo as well as Buffalo City district municiplties of the Eastern Cape. 🟠Orange Level 5: Disruptive Rain leading to danger to life, flooding and displacements of settlements as well as mudslides is expected over Alfred Nzo, Makana, Ndlambe, Kouga, and Koukamma municipalties of the Eastern Cape. 🟡Yellow Level 4: Disruptive rainfall is expected in the extreme south of KZN. 🟡Yellow Level 2: Disruptive Rain is expected in places over Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani, Blue Crane Route, Dr Beyers Naude (Graaf-Reinet area), Sundays River Valley and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro municipalities of the Eastern Cape. 🌬️WINDS: 🟠Orange Level 6: Damaging winds and waves resulting in damage to settlements, some structural damage, disruption to ports/harbours and danger to vessels at sea is expected between Kei River Mouth and Port Edward. 🟠Orange Level 5: Damaging winds resulting in injuries and danger to life from flying debris, damage to settlements (formal and informal), loss of agricultural production, some structural damage and transport routes and travel services affected by wind or falling trees are expected in the south of KZN. 🟡Yellow Level 4: Damaging interior winds are expected in the central and northern interior of KZN. 🟡Yellow Level 4: Damaging winds and waves are expected along the coast of KZN tomorrow and Wednesday. 🟡Yellow Level 2: Damaging winds are expected in places over Buffalo City Metro, Amahlathi, Intsika Yethu, Dr AB Xuma, Elundini, Mzimbu and Matatiele local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. 🌊WAVES 🟡Yellow Level 2: Damaging waves are expected between Port Alfred and Peddie Coast. #VoxWeather Here are all the warnings that are in place for Tuesday: Orange Level 6 warning: Disruptive snow resulting in danger to life, pass closures and communities cut-off, is expected in the Eastern Cape. Severe weather will affect Joe Gqabi DM, Enoch Mgijima (Molteno), and Matatiele LMS. Yellow Level 2 warning: Snow will disrupt the Chris Hani district municipality, Dr Beyers Naude (Graaff Reinet), Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlathi, and Umzimvubu local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. Orange Level 6 warning: Heavy rain will flood settlements, damage roads, endanger lives, and temporarily cut off some communities in Amathole, OR Tambo, and Buffalo City district municipalities of the Eastern Cape. Orange Level 5 warning: Disruptive Rain leading to danger to life, flooding and displacements of settlements. As well as mudslides is expected over Alfred Nzo, Makana, Ndlambe, Kouga, and Koukamma municipalties of the Eastern Cape. Send us your weather photos and videos to on WhatsApp on 083 625 4114 or email to bennittb@ Rain: Yellow Level 4 warning: Rain will disrupt the extreme south of KZN. Yellow Level 2 warning: Disruptive Rain is expected in places in the Easter Cape. Severe weather will affect Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani, Blue Crane Route, Dr Beyers Naude (Graaf-Reinet area), and Sundays River Valley. And also in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro municipalities of the Eastern Cape. Winds: Orange Level 6 warning: Damaging winds and waves will damage settlements, cause structural damage, disrupt ports and harbours, and endanger vessels at sea between Kei River Mouth and Port Edward. Orange Level 5 warning: Damaging winds are expected in the south of KZN. These winds could result: in injuries and danger to life from flying debris, damage to settlements (formal and informal), loss of agricultural production, – some structural damage and transport routes and travel services affected by wind or falling trees. Weather warning yellow level 4 warning: Damaging winds expected in central and northern KZN. Yellow Level 4 warning: Damaging winds and waves are expected along the coast of KZN tomorrow and Wednesday. Yellow level 2 warning: Damaging winds are expected in places over the Eastern Cape. Severe weather will impact Buffalo City Metro, Amahlathi, Intsika Yethu, Dr AB Xuma, Elundini, Mzimbu, and Matatiele. Waves: Yellow Level 2 warning: Waves will cause damage between Port Alfred and the Peddie Coast. Authorities have closed the following mountain passes due to inclement weather conditions, including snowfall, heavy rain, and excessive winds: Barkley Pass along the R58 between Barkly East and Elliot. Penhoek Pass along the N6 between Komani and Aliwal North. Lootsberg Pass (N9) between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg It is snowing and raining in most parts of the province. Meanwhile, authorities advise motorists to use alternative routes, postpone their travel, and exercise extra caution when driving on the roads. Also read: Snow confirmed in parts of SA – here are the photos Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Snow still possible in Gauteng TODAY
Gauteng residents, keep your eyes on the skies — snow is still possible today. Forecasters say the cold front gripping much of the country could bring light snowfall or icy precipitation to parts of Gauteng, especially in southern areas and the Highveld. While weather models differ, one still shows flakes falling before the day is out. Here's the latest update on what to expect and where conditions are most likely to turn wintry. Vox Weather's Michelle du Plessis said the ECMWF model was on Sunday once again hinting at the possibility of a few snowflakes in Gauteng. 'However, rain is also expected in these regions, which means any snow that does fall may melt quickly due to wet conditions.' Send us your weather photos and videos to on WhatsApp on 083 625 4114 or email to bennittb@ She explained that on Sunday evening, a strong cut-off low (COL) pressure system is expected to develop over the western interior, following this past weekend's cold front. 'The system will move slowly eastwards across the central interior and is expected to exit the country by Tuesday morning near the Wild Coast and southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal.' Du Plessis furthermore said the biggest danger associated with this system is the tail of the COL, also known as the scorpion tail, which will bring the heaviest rain (100MM or more) from Monday evening into Tuesday morning over the central and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape, including OR Tambo, Amathole, Buffalo City, and surrounding municipalities. 'Widespread rain of up to 50MM is also likely in parts of the south-eastern Northern Cape, southern Free State, and southern KwaZulu-Natal. 'Freezing levels are expected to drop significantly on Monday, with widespread and HEAVY SNOW still likely over the northern high ground of the Eastern Cape, the southern Drakensberg, as well as the south-western and western high ground of KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. The heaviest snowfall is expected around Barkly East in the Eastern Cape (more than 50CM) and in Lesotho (20–50CM).' On Sunday she said models continue to indicate the likelihood of light snow over the northern and eastern parts of the Northern Cape, across much of the Free State, and parts of the North West. Authorities urge South Africans to prepare for widespread frost, strong winds, and icy conditions into the week, and to closely monitor updates as forecasts continue to evolve. Here is where you will find snow: In the Western Cape: Matroosberg, Cederberg, Swartberg In the Northern Cape: Nuweveld and Roggeveld mountain including the town of Sutherland, the Great Karoo The high-lying areas in the Cape provinces: around Fraserburg, Loxton, Murraysburg, Richmond, Noupoort, Colesberg, Burgersdorp, Aliwal North, Molteno and surroundings. Lesotho could experience snow depths exceeding 50cm on Monday, particularly around Afri Ski, and in the Eastern Cape may expect between 50cm of snow over the southern Drakensberg and nearby towns. Including Barkly East. A mixture of snow/ ice rain and sleet is now possible over southern and eastern Free State: Bethlehem, Warden, Heilbron, Reitz, Memel, Reddersburg, Trompsburg and surrounding towns. It includes north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, around Postmasburg and Kuruman. Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging coastal winds from Saldanha Bay to Cape Agulhas, and icy road conditions are expected across several interior districts, especially around Beaufort West. With snowfall already likely over Lesotho and nearby areas by Sunday and heavier falls predicted through next week, South Africans are advised to monitor updates closely and prepare for travel disruptions, icy roads, and sudden temperature drops. Also read: Snow confirmed in parts of SA – here are the photos Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
