Following recent snowfall across the upper reaches of Sani Pass and near Mount Fletcher, together with persistent rain and mist in Underberg and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal, winter has made itself firmly felt across the region.
The wintry conditions were confirmed by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport as authorities monitored affected roads and deployed personnel to areas experiencing snow and icy conditions.
With the weekend approaching, residents of Newcastle, Ladysmith and Vryheid can expect gradually warmer daytime temperatures.
Nights and early mornings, however, will remain bitterly cold, with temperatures forecast to reach freezing point in Newcastle.
According to AccuWeather’s latest forecasts, the three towns can expect the following conditions:
Friday, 31 July 2026
Newcastle: Hazy sunshine is forecast, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 18°C. The temperature could fall to 0°C overnight.
Ladysmith: Sunny and warmer conditions are expected, with a daytime high of 20°C and an overnight low of 4°C.
Vryheid: Hazy sunshine is forecast, with temperatures reaching 17°C before dropping to 3°C overnight.
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Newcastle: Temperatures are expected to rise to 21°C under hazy sunshine. Another overnight low of 0°C is forecast.
Ladysmith: Mostly sunny conditions are expected, with a maximum temperature of 21°C and an overnight low of 5°C.
Vryheid: Sunny conditions are forecast, with temperatures reaching 18°C during the day before falling to 1°C overnight.
Sunday, 2 August 2026
Newcastle: Hazy sunshine is expected as the daytime temperature climbs to 22°C. The overnight low is forecast at 3°C.
Ladysmith: A sunny and noticeably warmer day is forecast, with temperatures reaching 24°C before falling to 6°C overnight.
Vryheid: Hazy conditions are expected, with a daytime high of 21°C and an overnight low of 3°C.
Despite the gradual daytime warming, cold nights and early mornings will remain a concern, particularly in Newcastle and Vryheid.
Residents should take reasonable precautions to protect pets, vulnerable livestock and exposed plumbing from the low temperatures.
Motorists should also exercise caution during the early morning hours, particularly on bridges and in low-lying or shaded areas where frost or ice may form.
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