Snow Watch 2026

This is the official thread for Snow Watch 2026. Feel free to post pictures, information, questions and reports about the snow conditions in the Drakensberg for 2026. The idea is to keep track of the snowfalls, pool information about where the snow is for those that want to go see it, and simply to have a place to express the joy and experiences you may have had if you have witnessed the grandeur of the Dragon clothed in white. This also serves as a historical reference for years to come.

Historical Snow Watch threads can be accessed  here

1) 22+29 April -  Reports of light snow on the high peaks and ridges of the Southern Berg
2) 6 May - Snowfall on most of the high peaks and ridges above 3000m

Well after a very slow start to the season, we finally are seeing a chance of some light snow arriving this week, from late Tuesday night up till Thursday.

There seems to be a lot of uncertainty in the models, so won't post any specific snow forecasts.  But it appears that most of the precipitation may arrive in the form of rain which clears as the main cold air arrives.

For now this event seems like it may be dominated more by cold conditions more than actual snow.  But let's see if this changes.

For now models are indicating that freezing levels could drop to 2400-2500m, meaning the escarpment will be well below freezing for an extended period of time, with the highest peaks possibly reaching -7°C

There were some very light snowfalls on the high peaks/ridges north of Sani the last two Wednesdays.
I'm sure other peaks of the southern berg too

Well the models seem to be a bit more settled now and seem to be agreeing that the far northern berg will receive the most snow with around 4-6cm.  Light snow around 2cm is expected for the central and Southern Berg Escarpment.



Interestingly the epicentre of this snow event is forecast to be the highlands of the Karoo, North of Beaufort West and Aberdeen, where over 40cm may be possible! 

Here is the Terra modis satellite image from yesterday afternoon, showing the remaining snow in blue.  Mainly the higher peaks and ridges above 3000m: