Climate change causes snow in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, a city known for its warm weather and vibrant atmosphere, was blanketed in a rare layer of snow recently, causing a mix of excitement and concern among residents. The last time Johannesburg experienced such significant snowfall was in August 2012, with reports of snow covering areas such as Soweto, central Johannesburg, Randburg, Heidelberg, Takane, and Fos Loras. This unusual phenomenon has raised questions about the underlying factors driving this weather event. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Lehlohonolo Thobela, a meteorologist from the South African Weather Services, shed light on the situation and provided insights into the current weather patterns affecting the region. Thobela explained that the snowfall was a result of a strong cold front and an upper air trough intensifying the cold conditions over the central and southern parts of Gauteng. He also mentioned that other regions, such as Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Drakensberg mountains, were also experiencing snowfall as a result of these weather systems. Thobela further discussed the broader implications of this weather event, linking it to the effects of climate change. He highlighted the recent seasonal forecast indicating the possibility of an El Niño event in the upcoming summer months. While the forecast suggests lower precipitation levels in the eastern parts of the country, Thobela emphasized that extreme weather events like the current snowfall in Johannesburg are not necessarily directly linked to the anticipated El Niño. Instead, he attributed the anomaly to a combination of factors, including the strong cold front and upper air trough prevailing in the region. The meteorologist touched on the cyclical nature of weather patterns, referencing the influence of La Niña conditions over the past three years and the transition towards a potential El Niño phase. Thobela expressed cautious optimism about the future weather outlook, noting that while an El Niño typically brings drier conditions, it may not necessarily result in similarly extreme cold events across the country. As South Africa braces for possible shifts in weather patterns, Thobela's insights offer valuable context for understanding the complexities of climate variability and its impact on local weather phenomena. The juxtaposition of snowfall in a traditionally warm city like Johannesburg serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of climate change and the urgent need for proactive measures to address environmental challenges. As communities marvel at the rare sight of snow-covered landscapes, the underlying message remains clear - climate change is real and its effects are being felt even in unexpected corners of the world.