June 27, 2007: Johannesburg experienced a rare and magical event as the city recorded its first confirmed snowfall in nearly 26 years. Overnight, temperatures dipped below freezing, transforming South Africa’s largest city into a winter wonderland and causing flights to be grounded at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
The last time Johannesburg saw snow was on September 11, 1981, making this snowfall a truly remarkable occurrence. The South Africa Weather Service reports that the city’s average minimum temperature for June over the past 47 years has been 4 degrees Celsius. This year’s average minimum is slightly higher at 4.7 degrees, in contrast to the record low of 0.7 degrees in 1968.
This morning residents marvelled at the unexpected sight as the city woke up to a blanket of snow. In this gallery, I’ve captured the rare beauty of the snowfall in my neighbourhood—moments that showcase Johannesburg as this historic weather event transformed it. These photos offer a glimpse into the serene, almost surreal atmosphere that settled over the city, turning familiar streets and landscapes into a picturesque winter scene.
