Though snow is not common in our neck of the woods, at the height of winter we occasionally get reports of snowfall on the Lootsberg, Barkly and a few other high lying passes, leading to them being closed due to unsafe travelling conditions.
Naturally, whenever there is an inkling of snowfall, many people want to know where the closest area is to see it.
The southern Drakensberg is your best bet, as its peaks are often snow-covered during winter, but one would have to hike far to get one’s feet in the snow.
Whenever there are reports of snow nearby, especially on social media, people think they can jump into their car the next morning to experience making a snowman or throwing a few snowballs.
Alas, by the time you get there you will likely only see the remnants, or a slushy mess, because snow does not last long in our area.
Ask me ... after my trip to Nieu-Bethesda in 2024, at breakfast we heard there was a nice amount of snow on the Lootsberg Pass, which is just around the corner.
We took our time chatting away over breakfast and by the time we arrived at the Lootsberg Pass, all that was left was what looked like whisks of cotton wool here and there.
The closest one can get to a good coverage of snow is generally four to six hours away from the Bay, in Hogsback, Graaff-Reinet and the Barkley East area.
This is why in 2025, we are planning our mid-winter trip to get the snow experience and to see the Gariep Dam in all its glory.
It is overflowing now and should be full for some time to come.
En route we will be stopping at the friendliest town I have ever visited, namely Nieu-Bethesda, which is renowned for snowfalls in the area during midwinter.
After the Gariep we are off to Barkly East, which according to a YouTube clip boasts having recorded snow in every month of the year, but just not in the same year.
If this is the case and we travel midwinter, I will have some great stories to relate.
However, I took this claim with a pinch of salt and consulted Caelum (the official log of noteworthy weather-related events), the 30-year climate norm and the Facebook page Snow Report SA.
Here I found reports of snow in the area between April and November.
November 2024 recorded the first major snowfall in November in 85 years.
Considering that Barkly East is so close to Rhodes and thus the Tiffindell Ski-resort, but at a lower elevation, this claim might be possible, especially after I found a 1959 entry of January 12 to 13 of light snowfalls in the Uniondale/Avontuur district.
A farmer even related that he had experienced a white Christmas on his farm in the Molteno district.
I am sure there are readers out there who could corroborate these claims, and I would love to hear their stories.
The Seasonal Forecast shows higher than normal minimum temperatures over the interior, which is a slight indication that the chances of some noteworthy snow might be reduced.
However, I would rather follow the advocates of climate change with the claim that severe events will be worse.
I suppose I would be slightly disappointed about not being able to have a snowball fight with Mrs Guru, but there are some beautiful sights to see around Maletswai (Aliwal North), Lady Grey and the Barkly East area.
So, if you are lucky enough to be able to take a mid-winter break around the end of June/early July, start making your plans, as one must be in the area to quickly access where snow is reported.
Sitting at home in the Bay, waiting for a favourable snow forecast or reports of snow on the ground is more than likely going to leave you and your family disappointed.
This week in history:
1995: For the second time in two weeks, snow recorded in Graaff-Reinet
Dam levels
70.53%, slightly down from previous week’s 70.88. Impofu steady at 53.49%
Weather safety tips:
Icy roads are dangerous no matter what vehicle you drive. No top of the range 4x4 is immune to the danger. Heed warnings of authorities to avoid these roads when such conditions prevail.
Now on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: WEATHER GURU
Email: info@wgawx.co.za with feedback or requests
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