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Update: Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 11am: Snow has fallen in KZN
Do you feel that nip in the air, Durban?
Yip! There’s snow on the Drakensberg mountains. Social media sites are being flooded with images of a light dusting of snow atop the crisp mountain range, with temperatures plummeting inland and Durbanites relishing the chance to wear those winter items found waaaaaaay back in the cupboard!
Inland, snowfall has been reported over the southern Drakensberg and Lesotho – a result of a powerful cut-off low-pressure system that has brought icy temperatures and widespread rain to KZN. While it’s not much, it’s enough to drop the temperatures across KZN!
Fortunately, the severe weather warnings from the South African Weather Service appear to have passed with no major reports of any destruction along the coastline.
Today’s forecast for KZN is cloudy and cold to cool with scattered showers and rain in the north of KZN, otherwise isolated except for in the south-west. The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh southerly to south-westerly, reaching strong in the north at times.
Wednesday 29 July, 8am: KZN prepares for possible snow today
It's icy out there, people!
KwaZulu-Natal authorities are stepping up emergency responses after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) elevated its disruptive weather warning to Level 6 yesterday (Monday), with widespread heavy rain, flooding and snow expected to impact parts of the province.
The severe weather is being driven by a cut-off low-pressure system, with conditions expected to affect road travel across several regions of KZN over the coming days.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma confirmed that transport and emergency teams have been placed on high alert to minimise disruptions and keep roads as safe as possible.
READ: Durban weather warning elevated to Level 6
Snow response plan activated
With snowfall forecast for parts of the province, the Department of Transport has activated its annual snow response plan.
Road graders will be deployed to clear snow before it accumulates beyond 30cm, while Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) teams will monitor conditions and coordinate road closures where necessary to prevent motorists from becoming stranded.
Areas expected to be closely monitored include:
- N3 corridor
- Ladysmith
- Kokstad
- Underberg
- Harding
- Newcastle
- N11
- Pietermaritzburg
- N2
Freight operators will also work with provincial authorities to coordinate truck movements, helping reduce congestion while maintaining essential supply chains.
Temporary accommodation for flood victims
With heavy rainfall expected to cause flooding in some areas, the Department of Human Settlements has confirmed that more than 170 rooms at Montclair Lodge have been made available to accommodate families who may be displaced by the severe weather.
The facility will operate in partnership with eThekwini Municipality should emergency housing be required.
Travel advice
If you're planning to travel in or around Durban or elsewhere in KwaZulu-Natal over the next 24, it's worth checking the latest road conditions before setting off.
Motorists are advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
- Never attempt to drive through flooded roads or low-water bridges.
- Expect possible road closures in snow-prone areas.
- Allow extra travel time and reduce speed on wet roads.
- Monitor official weather and traffic updates throughout the day.
Authorities say emergency teams remain on standby and will continue monitoring conditions as the weather system develops.
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