One of the Most Expansive Cold Fronts in Recent Years is Sweeping across Southern Africa, Bringing Bitterly Cold Temperatures, Disruptive Snow, Widespread Frost, and Dangerous Road Conditions across Multiple Countries
Marek Kučera 
June 26, 2025 — Southern Africa is experiencing one of the most significant cold air incursions in recent memory, as a strong polar cold front has pushed unusually far north, covering large areas of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa with bitterly cold temperatures, widespread frost, and disruptive snow in some regions.
Satellite Images Reveal Unprecedented Reach
At 12:30 UTC on Thursday, June 26th, satellite imagery confirmed the cold front’s deep penetration well into central and southern Namibia, southwestern Botswana, and most parts of South Africa — a phenomenon rarely seen in recent years. This broad coverage of cold air is causing temperatures to plunge and weather conditions to deteriorate across a vast region.
Snow and Disruptive Cold in Eastern Cape and Surrounding Areas
The northern interior of the Eastern Cape is currently under snow warnings, with disruptive snowfall expected today. Combined with calm winds and clear skies overnight, conditions favor rapid cooling and ice formation. These factors, along with low humidity, have led to the development of widespread frost and very low temperatures.
Black Ice: A Hidden Hazard
One of the most dangerous threats from this cold spell is the formation of black ice — a thin, nearly invisible glaze of ice on roads, especially on mountain passes, bridges, and shaded areas. Black ice has been reported and is forecast to form in parts of Lesotho, the northern interior of the Eastern Cape, and the southern Free State. Motorists are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, as black ice can cause severe accidents by catching drivers unaware.
Secondary Cold Front Brings More Rain and Wind
In addition to the primary cold front, a secondary cold front has moved over the southwestern parts of South Africa, bringing more rainfall and gusty winds. These conditions are expected to continue into Friday, with isolated showers lingering over the southwestern Cape.
Damaging winds and rough seas are forecast along the southeastern and eastern coasts of South Africa, posing risks to marine activities and coastal communities.
Temperature Contrast Across Regions
While interior regions are experiencing freezing to bitterly cold temperatures, areas ahead of the front — including Limpopo, eastern Mpumalanga, northern and eastern KwaZulu-Natal, and eSwatini — remain warm to very hot. This sharp temperature gradient highlights the dynamic and impactful nature of the cold front.
Frost Outlook Through the Weekend
Frost is expected to persist and even intensify in many interior areas through Sunday morning, including:
- Central and southern Namibia
- Southwestern Botswana
- Most of South Africa’s interior (excluding coastal and northeastern regions)
Severe black frost is possible in parts of South Africa, especially in the Free State, Northern Cape, and Karoo interior. These conditions pose risks to agriculture, particularly frost-sensitive crops.
Summary of Key Risks:
- Snowfall and disruptive snow: Eastern Cape interior
- Black ice formation: Mountain passes and bridges in Lesotho, Eastern Cape, and Free State
- Frost and black frost: Widespread in interior Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa
- Damaging winds and rough seas: Southeastern and eastern coastal regions
- Travel hazards: Roads impacted by snow, ice, and frost—exercise extreme caution
Advice for Residents and Travelers
- Monitor weather updates regularly through official meteorological services.
- Avoid travel on mountain passes and roads prone to black ice if possible.
- Farmers should prepare for frost damage and take protective measures for sensitive crops.
- Coastal communities should heed warnings about strong winds and rough seas.
- Stay warm and check on vulnerable populations during the cold snap.
This extraordinary cold event serves as a reminder of the climatic variability Southern Africa can experience, even in regions typically known for mild winters. The combination of deep frost, snow, and dangerous ice conditions requires vigilance and preparation through the weekend.
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