As South Africans prepare for the Workers’ Day long weekend, KwaZulu-Natal residents are being warned to expect a colder, wetter and more unsettled start than usual, with snow forecast over Lesotho and the Drakensberg peaks.
In addition, showers are expected across parts of the province from Thursday, 30 April 2026, into Friday, 1 May 2026.
While no low-level snow is currently expected in South Africa, the broader weather system is likely to bring early winter conditions across high-lying areas, with motorists travelling through mountain passes, rural routes and parts of the Drakensberg region urged to monitor forecasts closely before setting off.
According to Snow Report Southern Africa, snowfall is likely to affect Lesotho and the Drakensberg peaks from Thursday through to Friday, as colder air and an unstable system move across the interior. The service noted that higher ground could see anything from light flurries to accumulations exceeding 10 cm across Lesotho and the South African side of the Drakensberg.
“At this stage, the data indicate that snow will fall at Afriski Mountain Resort and may be possible at the top of Sani Pass, as well as on the A1 and other roads through the high elevations of Lesotho,” reported Snow Report Southern Africa.
The snowfall forecast forms part of a wider weather pattern linked to a cut-off low-pressure system expected to develop over the interior.
This system may bring widespread rainfall, with totals of up to 100 mm possible in parts of the central interior this week.
Snow Report Southern Africa has, however, clarified that no low-level snow is expected in South Africa. The service added that some of the higher mountain passes in the Eastern Cape, particularly around Tiffindell Ski Resort, may still see snowfall due to the elevation and prevailing conditions.
While issuing the forecast, Snow Report Southern Africa urged caution, noting that conditions may still change.
“Despite the current forecasts, weather patterns may shift unexpectedly, thereby seeing the possibility of no snowfall,” it stated.
For KwaZulu-Natal, the latest projections from the South African Weather Service indicate cool to cold conditions across much of the province, including Newcastle and surrounding areas.
In addition, there is up to a 60% probability of scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers over the eastern interior on both Thursday and Friday.
According to the SAWS outlook, cloudy and cold conditions are expected over the central parts of the country.
Meanwhile, partly cloudy and cool weather, accompanied by isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, is likely across the central and eastern regions. The service also notes that fine conditions are forecast for the extreme south, with morning and evening fog possible over the extreme north-western interior.
Taken together, the forecast points to an unsettled start to the long weekend, particularly for those travelling through high-altitude areas, mountain passes and rural routes where rain, mist, reduced visibility and rapidly changing conditions may affect road safety.
Although the primary snow impacts are expected in Lesotho and along the Drakensberg escarpment, the broader system is set to extend cooler and wetter conditions across much of the interior, including KwaZulu-Natal.
Motorists heading toward Lesotho, the Drakensberg, Sani Pass, Tiffindell or other elevated routes are therefore encouraged to plan carefully and remain alert to changing conditions.
At the same time, the provisional nature of the outlook remains an important consideration.
Both Snow Report Southern Africa and the South African Weather Service have indicated that shifts in the system’s trajectory or intensity could still alter the extent of both rainfall and snowfall.
Residents and travellers are therefore encouraged to monitor official updates closely in the days ahead, particularly where travel, outdoor activities or long-weekend plans may be affected, as conditions may evolve with limited notice.
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FAQs:
No, low-level snow is currently expected in South Africa, but snow is forecast over Lesotho and the Drakensberg peaks.
Snow may affect Afriski Mountain Resort, the top of Sani Pass, the A1 in Lesotho and other high-elevation routes.
Newcastle and surrounding areas are expected to experience cool to cold conditions, with showers and thundershowers possible over parts of the eastern interior.
Motorists travelling through Lesotho, the Drakensberg, Sani Pass and other mountain routes should monitor updates, as rain, mist, snow and reduced visibility may affect travel.
Yes. While no low-level snow is expected in South Africa at this stage, snowfall over Lesotho and the Drakensberg peaks may affect high-altitude routes, including areas near Sani Pass and elevated roads in Lesotho. Motorists should check updated forecasts before travelling.
Yes. KwaZulu-Natal is expected to experience cool to cold conditions, with showers and thundershowers possible across parts of the province, including the eastern interior.
