"The majority of South Africa has seen a stark drop in temperatures this week, as a powerful Antarctic front grips the swathes of the southern African continent, including the nations of Namibia and Botswana.
Taking to social media, Storm Report South Africa has shared images of Sutherland Observatory in the Northern Cape covered in a hefty blanket of snow ...
Earlier in the week, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned residents of an extreme polar front set to bring gale-force winds, heavy snow, extremely high waves, and rainfall from July 12 until at least July 16 — and the conditions are living up to expectations.
Property damage has been reported in some areas following the arrival of the strong polar front, while very cold conditions have swept the entire nation, bringing heavy frosts to the highlands.
The mercury plunged to record-breaking lows of -10C (14F) in some southern parts.
While incredibly frigid readings have also been logged in the northwest of the country — here, numerous locales, such as Van Zylsrus and Twee Rivieren, have just recorded their lowest temperatures in over 20 years.
Today, July 15, was an exceptionally cold morning across many other Southern African nations, too.
A historic -10C (14F) has just been registered in Sandveld, Namibia — the nation’s lowest-ever July reading, and one just 0.5C (0.9F) off the all-time national low of -10.5C (13.1F) set at Stampriet in August, 1974 (solar minimum of cycle 20).
Additionally, nearby Botswana also suffered harsh frosts and record cold this morning:
A low of -7.7C (18.1F) was observed at Tsabong, -6.2C (20.8F) at Werda, and -5.6C (21.9F) at Tshane — all unprecedented lows.
Even harsher polar lows are on the cards as the month of July progresses."
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Friday, July 16, 2021
"Antarctic Air Engulfs Southern Africa: Heavy Snow hits SA, as Nations Log their Coldest July Temperatures Ever Recorded"
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