If you were planning to take it easy this winter, you might want to put those plans on hold—KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa are in for a rough weather ride starting Sunday, 8 June.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning, and things are looking chilly, wet, and potentially dangerous.

Let’s break down what’s headed your way.

Thunderstorms and Showers to Soak KwaZulu-Natal

KZN residents should prepare for a soggy start to the week.

While Sunday is expected to bring isolated showers and thundershowers to the southern parts of the province, Monday will likely see those turn scattered and even widespread across most regions.

Some of the thunderstorms could turn severe, especially along the south coast on Sunday and throughout KZN on Monday.

Expect heavy rain, a good chance of localised flooding, large hail, and damaging winds.

So if you’re out and about, keep an umbrella in one hand—and maybe a backup plan in the other.

Snowfall Alert in Several Provinces – Yes, Even in KZN

Believe it or not, snow is part of the forecast—not just in the usual spots but across several provinces.

Starting Sunday evening, the SAWS is predicting snow over high-lying areas and mountain peaks in places like Beaufort West in the Western Cape and parts of the Northern Cape.

By Monday, that snowfall could stretch into the Free State, Eastern Cape, and even the high-lying parts of western KZN.

This snowfall will bring more than just pretty scenery.

Icy road conditions are expected, particularly around mountain passes like Van Reenen’s Pass, which could face disruptions on both Monday, 9 June, and Tuesday, 10 June.

Cold, Wet, and Windy Conditions Are Moving In

It’s not just snow and storms—this weather system is ushering in a serious cold snap.

From Sunday, very cold, wet, and windy weather will dominate the interior of the Western Cape and the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape.

By early next week, those wintry vibes will sweep across the Free State, Eastern Cape interior, and western KZN.

Bottom line: expect bone-chilling temperatures through Wednesday, with the kind of wind that cuts right through you.

High Winds, Rough Seas, and Fire Risk in Other Regions

Other parts of the country won’t be spared either.

Here’s what to expect elsewhere:

Damaging winds are set to hit large parts of the interior from Sunday, posing a wildfire risk especially in central and eastern regions—before the cold front even arrives.
Coastal areas will also feel the impact, with strong winds and rough seas battering the south-west coast by Friday, extending to the east coast by Saturday and lingering through Tuesday.
The Eastern Cape can expect heavy rain and localised flooding starting Sunday, before the bad weather shifts to southern KZN on Monday.

So, What’s the Deal with Winter This Year?

Winter in South Africa isn’t usually this dramatic, but this year’s turning out to be quite the exception.

With everything from violent storms to snowfall and freezing winds, this is a week where everyone—from coastal residents to inland farmers—will need to stay alert, prep their homes, and check the forecast regularly.

What’s Next?

Keep an eye on updates from the South African Weather Service, especially if you live in a high-risk area.

Make sure your emergency kits are ready, and be cautious on the roads.

If you’re planning any travel or outdoor activities, it might be wise to hold off for a few days.

Winter’s officially here—and it’s not playing nice.