Winter’s Icy Grip Tightens on North West: Potchefstroom Braces for Snow, Bitter Cold and Strong Winds
- Karen Scheepers
- 24 hours ago
- 6 min read
As a powerful Cut-Off Low (COL) system builds off South Africa’s southwestern coast, the North West Province, home to Potchefstroom and its surrounding communities, faces an unusually severe winter spell beginning this weekend. According to a media release from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) dated 5 June 2025, all provinces except Limpopo stand to see impactful snowfall, plunging temperatures and gale-force winds.
COL System to Sweep In from Saturday
SAWS forecasts that, early on Saturday morning (7 June 2025), the COL system will move in from the Western Cape and Northern Cape before migrating eastward. By Monday and Tuesday (9–10 June), the cold front is expected to settle over the central interior, including North West. Forecasters emphasize that the COL will bring a “significant and dramatic drop in daytime temperatures”, with maxima unlikely to exceed +10 °C throughout North West, and localised wind chill driving perceived temperatures well below zero on high ground. Potchefstroom, typically known for chilly winters, should expect raw, gusty conditions that may dip into single digits by midday and approach freezing overnight.
Local farmers with small stock, sheep, goats and cattle, are urged to move vulnerable animals into sheltered enclosures, provide thick bedding and ensure access to unfrozen water. With strong, damaging surface winds expected across the central interior from Sunday onward, the risk of veld fires in the days preceding the cold front remains elevated; however, once the COL fully arrives, extreme cold, snow and ice will become the primary hazards.
Snowfall Prospects in North West
One of the most eye-catching elements of SAWS’s winter outlook is “snowfalls over almost every province, with the exception of Limpopo.” In North West, snowfall confidence is highest along elevated terrain, particularly between Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp and Mahikeng and lower over the western farmlands, though scattered flurries remain possible even in lower-lying areas. SAWS notes a “low probability that Gauteng and the highveld region of Mpumalanga may experience light snowfalls Monday night, 9 June 2025, extending into Tuesday, 10 June 2025.”
By extension, North West’s highveld towns, Ventersdorp and parts of the Tswaing District, could see similar light dustings.
7–9 June 2025: Initial Flurries (1–5 cm)
Mahikeng & Ventersdorp: Light flurries may begin late Saturday or early Sunday, with 1–5 cm possible on higher ridges.
Klerksdorp & Surrounds: From Sunday into Monday (“SUN-MON”), scattered patches of 1–5 cm near the Gatsrand Range are likely, with brief whiteout conditions on rural gravel roads.
Potchefstroom: Localised hail and graupel (soft hail) showers overnight Saturday into Sunday; temperatures will hover around 0 °C after sunset, but significant accumulation is unlikely in the town itself.
8–10 June 2025: Coldest Lows and Possible Accumulations (5–10 cm)
Mahikeng Highlands & Magaliesberg Foothills: The SUN-MON map shows a narrow band of 5–10 cm (light blue shading) along crest-level roads and farms. These accumulations may cause road blockages between the Molopo and Vryburg logging routes.
Ventersdorp–Klerksdorp Corridor: “MON-TUES” projections hint at 5–10 cm of snow on mountaintops overlooking the Hartebeestfontein area, potentially forcing short-term closures on Route R30 between Ventersdorp and Klerksdorp.
Potchefstroom Region: Although Potchefstroom itself resides at a lower elevation (~1 350 m), frost and icy patches on rural roads are almost guaranteed Monday morning. Residents should prepare for subzero wind chills and uncertain, slick conditions on access routes to Coligny and Leeudoringstad.
Impact on Commuters, Schools and Community Services
Monday morning’s commute is poised to be particularly treacherous. Even a light layer of snow or frost on the N12 and R501 could cause multiple fender-benders if drivers fail to reduce speed. SAWS strongly advises:
Reducing speed on early-morning commutes, especially between 05:00 and 08:00 when roads will be at their slickest.
Equipping vehicles with winter tyres (where possible), or at minimum ensuring good tread on existing tyres.
Allowing extra travel time and, if possible, postponing non-essential travel until after midday when some melting may occur—though be aware that temperatures remain well below 10 °C even then, so partial refreezing is possible.
Public transport operators (taxis, buses) should communicate delays and consider contingency plans for alternative routes if primary roads become impassable.
Schools in the North West Department of Education have indicated contingency measures in event of road closures. Pupils living outside Potchefstroom (e.g., Casterbridge, Orkney, Stilfontein) may find transport services disrupted. Parents are encouraged to stay tuned to school SMS alerts and local radio for updates. Potchefstroom University’s campus (NWU Mafikeng and Potchefstroom campuses) warns students and staff that classes may shift to hybrid or online models Tuesday if road conditions remain hazardous.
Livestock, Agriculture and Power Supply Concerns
Potchefstroom’s surrounding farming community must brace for “bitterly cold daytime conditions” exacerbated by “strong, gusty winds.” Grain farmers in the Mooi River Valley should ensure that irrigation systems are winterised to prevent pipe bursts. Sheep farmers, in particular, should relocate ewes nearing lambing to wind-protected sheds, as hypothermia risk soars when newborn lambs are exposed to sudden temperature drops below 0 °C.
Local municipality officials in Potchefstroom warn that power outages could occur if heavy snow and ice damage overhead lines, particularly in farms and rural holdings reliant on Eskom’s rural feeders. Homeowners are urged to have backup heating solutions (gas heaters, wood or coal stoves) ready, alongside adequate lighting that doesn’t depend on the grid.
Wind, Wildfire Risk and Flooding
Before the full onslaught of snow, North West is slated to experience strong, damaging surface winds from Sunday into early next week, winds that could reach near-gale force (80–100 km/h) on highveld ridges. Ironically, these dry, gusty conditions heighten the risk of runaway veld fires across the province’s central and southern belts (Potchefstroom to Klerksdorp), particularly where summer’s dead grass and bush accumulate. Farmers should ensure firebreaks are in place and that equipment (tractors, harvesters) is parked clear of combustible vegetation.
By Sunday afternoon, heavy rains may develop over eastern parts of North West, principally around Stilfontein and Bloemhof, leading to localized flooding in low-lying farm roads and drainage channels. While widespread infrastructural damage is unlikely, residents near rivers (Mooi River, Vaal River tributaries) should maintain vigilance, particularly when crossing low-water bridges.
Community Preparedness and Next Updates
The South African Weather Service has committed to ongoing monitoring, with intermediate updates to be issued via X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service), and other SAWS-supported platforms. Model uncertainty remains especially regarding the precise timing and depth of snow in northern sectors of North West, meaning Potchefstroom’s residents should prepare for potentially heavier or lighter snowfall than currently projected.
Local government and community leaders in Potchefstroom have convened emergency task teams to coordinate road-clearing, shelter for homeless or stranded individuals, and communication with farmers and schools. Residents can contact the Potchefstroom Disaster Management Centre at (018) 299 2126 for assistance during the peak of the cold front.
Key Advice for Potchefstroom Residents
Monitor Temperatures Closely: Expect daytime highs from Saturday to Tuesday to hover between 2 °C and 8 °C, with overnight lows potentially dipping to −4 °C on exposed areas around Magaliesberg foothills.
Prepare Livestock & Pets: Shelter all vulnerable animals; check fencing and bedding. Ensure heated water sources or insulated water troughs for livestock.
Secure Property & Infrastructure: Reinforce loose gutters, tarps, and satellite dishes. Clear drains of leaves to mitigate flooding from sudden downpours.
Plan for Transportation Delays: Drive slowly on early-morning commutes; if uncertain, wait until mid-morning when visibility improves. Keep blankets, bottled water and snacks in vehicles.
Stay Informed: Download the WeatherSMART mobile app (Apple | Android) and follow SAWS on social media for real-time updates and warnings.
Looking Ahead
As winter tightens its grip across the North West Province, Potchefstroom’s community is called upon to join hands, sharing resources, information and warmth. Whether you reside in a sprawling farmland bordering Klerksdorp or in a student residence at NWU’s Potchefstroom campus, vigilance and preparation will be the keys to weathering this extraordinary cold front. From light snow dustings on Monday night to possible 5–10 cm accumulations on nearby ridges, the next 72 hours will test the region’s resilience. Follow SAWS updates closely, heed local municipal advisories, and remain “Weather-ready, Climate-smart.”
With this storm, North West will experience one of its most memorable winters in years, transforming the provincial highveld into a curious patchwork of white-topped hills, ice-slicked roads and howling winds. Potchefstroomers, stay warm, stay safe, and be ready for what promises to be a truly historic mid-winter event.
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