KwaZulu-Natal, a province accustomed to mild spring conditions, recently witnessed an extraordinary weather phenomenon – heavy snowfall. The rare event has left experts concerned and calling for urgent environmental action to address climate change.
According to Dr Daniel Kibirige, a prominent scholar from the department of environmental and geographical sciences at the University of Cape Town, the heavy snowfall occurring in spring is highly atypical for the region. He noted that there were meteorological factors contributing to this unusual weather pattern.
"One key driver is the presence of late-season cold fronts, which usher in cold air masses into the higher altitudes of KwaZulu-Natal," Kibirige explained.
He said that shifts in the jet stream were also significantly influencing these changes. "The jet stream, which is responsible for steering weather systems, has been exhibiting erratic behaviour, likely driven by broader climatic changes."
The snowfall event has rekindled discussions about the increasing volatility of weather patterns globally. While some might relish the novelty of snow in a region that seldom experiences it, experts warn that such anomalies may portend more serious environmental challenges.
Last week's inclement weather conditions resulted in road closures, disrupted daily life, and posed challenges for the agricultural sector. Farmers, who were not prepared for such drastic temperature drops, reported concerns over crop damage and livestock welfare.
Environmental scholars and activists are calling for immediate mitigating measures. "We need to take significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint and implement policies that favour environmental sustainability," said Kibirige. He urged local governments, industries, and citizens to align their efforts toward creating a more resilient ecosystem.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, assured the residents across the province earlier this week that the provincial disaster management centre would continue to engage directly with stakeholders to ensure that there were plans deal with any eventuality should the weather conditions deteriorate.
“Residents are urged to monitor weather forecasts through reliable sources,” he said.
Weather forecaster, Thandiwe Gumede, from the South African Weather Services (SAWS), said that the province of KwaZulu-Natal could expect a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers over the eastern parts today and the remainder of the province could expect a 30% chance.
“With those showers and thundershowers, we do note that at the moment it is not clear which may be the areas of concern but there is a possibility of those thunderstorms becoming severe in some places,” she said.
Gumede said that on Monday, cold to very cold conditions and 60% chance of showers could be expected. The very cold condition would be mainly for the Western part, as well as the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, while the remainder of the province would remain fairly cold.
“These conditions will also continue into Tuesday; the cold to very cold conditions.”
Gumede said that it was not expected to be very cold on Wednesday. Very cold referring to temperatures of 10degC and below, while freezing temperatures were from 10 to 17degC.