What is Snow?
Snow comprises individual ice crystals that grow while suspended in the atmosphere—usually within clouds—and then fall, accumulating on the ground where they undergo further changes.
It consists of frozen crystalline water throughout its life cycle, starting when, under suitable conditions, the ice crystals form in the atmosphere, increase to millimeter size, precipitate and accumulate on surfaces, then metamorphose in place, and ultimately melt, slide, or sublimate away.
How Many Times Has It Snowed In South Africa?
How many times does it snow in South Africa?
It last snowed in 2012 and before that 2007, she said. Snow falls in Johannesburg once every five years on average, with heavier snow like that seen on Monday occurring once every 10 to 20 years, University of the Witwatersrand climatology professor Francois Engelbrecht told the Daily Maverick news website.
When did it last snow in South Africa?
2012
Such weather is not completely unheard of in Johannesburg, which lies at an altitude of more than 1,700 meters, yet it is still rare. The last times snowfall was seen were in 2012 and 1996.
Have snow ever fallen in South Africa?
Rare snowfalls in South Africa
Its last recorded snowfall was in August 2012, according to data from Iowa State University’s Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Cold temperature warnings were issued by the South African Weather Service on July 10, 2023.
Which part of South Africa does it snow?
The Drakensberg is famous for its winter snowfall with Cathedral Peak and the area around Giant’s Castle being most notable for their annual snow. The conditions here are usually quite stable and sunny days are welcome after a snowstorm.