South African Weather Service shuts down viral hoax claiming Aphelion will bring 27-hour cold snap across the country

In recent days, South Africans have been buzzing about a viral message that warned of an upcoming extreme cold front lasting 27 hours — all supposedly because of something called the “Aphelion phenomenon.”

The message sounded dramatic: temperatures dropping suddenly at 5:00 AM due to Earth moving farther from the Sun.

But here’s the truth — it’s all a hoax.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has now stepped in to set the record straight, urging everyone to stop sharing the misleading message.

Not only is it scientifically incorrect, but it also risks creating unnecessary panic.

What’s Aphelion Really About?

Yes, the Aphelion is a real thing.

It refers to the time when Earth is farthest from the Sun in its yearly orbit.

This year, it’s expected to happen on July 3rd at 15:54.

But despite what that viral message claimed, SAWS says there’s no reason to worry.

The distance between Earth and the Sun during Aphelion has very little effect on temperatures.

Instead, our seasonal changes — like winter — are actually caused by Earth’s axial tilt, not how far we are from the Sun.

Winter Forecast? Warmer Than You Think

Instead of bracing for a deep freeze, South Africans should actually expect a relatively warmer winter this year.

According to SAWS’s seasonal outlook released on May 2nd, most regions across the country will see higher-than-normal temperatures, both during the day and at night.

There’s only a small exception: southern coastal areas might feel a bit cooler than usual, but that’s more about regular cold fronts than anything extreme.

No Big Impact From Climate Patterns This Year

In another calming update, SAWS confirmed that the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has now shifted to a neutral phase.

That means it’s not expected to shake things up weather-wise in South Africa this winter.

So, while it’s always smart to keep a jacket nearby during the colder months, there’s no need to worry about an out-of-this-world cold blast.

Heard the Hoax? Don’t Fall For It

If you’ve come across the hoax message in WhatsApp groups or online, just know — it’s false.

SAWS is encouraging everyone to stay informed by relying on credible sources and not to forward misleading weather warnings.