It’s not every day that actual weather jargon trends on South Africa’s social media networks, but this is seemingly no ordinary week. Talk of a “cold front” is currently (and ironically) hot on tonight’s Twitter agenda, thanks to winter’s rather late but forceful appearance.
With the South African Weather Service and the nation’s meteorologists issuing alerts that include bitterly cold temperatures, snow in places and driving rain in others, some took to the internet to find solace and warmth laughing at others’ snark and reactions.
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The hashtag #coldfront, although used across the country for much of the day, began trending around 8pm Wednesday, as temperatures in the provinces began to plummet.
A cold front sweeping across South Africa this week is set to bring icy temperatures, snow and rain to the country
While Cape Town remains fairly balmy at the time of writing, the same can’t be said for Gauteng.
ALERT: COLD overnight temps expected in Gauteng due to the arrival of a #COLDFRONT. Vereeniging -1°C
Johannesburg 1°C
Pretoria 3°C— Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) August 16, 2017
Many in the province and surrounds posted their thoughts about their weather experience, and used reaction images as a coping mechanism.
Some just couldn’t believe that winter was returning.
This #coldfront better be real this time.I dont trust weather forecast at all. pic.twitter.com/wNMtMqmgG6
— Iam_BossLadyNthabi
(@ladychoconthaby) August 16, 2017
#ColdFront
I can’t trust these weather people anyway…seeing is believing pic.twitter.com/ZpOT6X36jJ—
Dudemeister (@nsibonise101) August 16, 2017
But a cold front of reality set in for many more…
When i just thought am done with cold weather than #Coldfront shows up pic.twitter.com/WK60G3DI5l
— Akido Pantsulas (@AkidoPantsula) August 16, 2017
Mxm” i feel like winter started again!! #coldfront pic.twitter.com/hK1KzmfCmm
— The Black Mist (@ThusiThabiso1) August 16, 2017
#ColdFront winter’s coming…
Again
— 27 Aug
(@Mixologist_DJ) August 16, 2017
#ColdFront winter is back pic.twitter.com/lX4T246wWt
— DIKELEDI MARUPING (@kele_Maruping) August 16, 2017
This #ColdFront got me feeling some type of way…go a tonya maan, tjerrr!!!
pic.twitter.com/zpLnQiyuGY — Selfie King (@Abel_Seloane) August 16, 2017
Can we use the #ColdFront as a reason to stay in bed for the rest of the week
. — Lungile Melly Ndlovu (@UltraMelly007) August 16, 2017
Just when i was getting ready for summer then baam! winter the legacy
#ColdFront pic.twitter.com/KRe9CAACno —
YolandaNozulu (@bossladylanda) August 16, 2017
Yup, it’s a #ColdFront alright. pic.twitter.com/3PSMGwcHy4
— Neville Matz (@IamNevuhl) August 16, 2017
Goshhh #coldfront pic.twitter.com/fD4Cx2OSOA
— Fezeka Mabuza (@Fezeka_Mabuza) August 16, 2017
#ColdFront who said winter is over? pic.twitter.com/MZI8Zp7x4r
— Who Do Tha Most (@97Bigz) August 16, 2017
A select bunch pondered what they’d wear for the next few days.
#ColdFront and my Jackets are dirty pic.twitter.com/hcFZBtRpLH
— Xolly moloi
(@Irockdegul) August 16, 2017
@CityofJoburgZA preparing for #coldfront pic.twitter.com/KP5yjTJuGb
— #DonBosco202 (@clarencesdb) August 16, 2017
When you hear there is a #ColdFront coming and you’d already put all your winter clothes away pic.twitter.com/QYSyPC21tj
— Viola Gambinga (@Vee_gambs) August 16, 2017
When the #ColdFront hits #Johannesburg but you already put all your winter clothes away. pic.twitter.com/FpsTCfJ30i
— Angelique Shekleton (@Ang_Sheks) August 16, 2017
#ColdFront seems like I was too quick to pull out the blouses and pencil skirts
— #IasoTea (TLC) (@Lollies_n_candy) August 16, 2017
And because social media is home to a plethora of personalities, some welcomed the frosty air.
This #ColdFront should stay forever.. pic.twitter.com/C0KNJ5wKEW
— . (@MiYentle) August 16, 2017
South African President Jacob Zuma received a mention.
#ColdFront proudly brought to you by Jacob Zuma
— kabelo (@kabeloshaunvito) August 16, 2017
And of course, Ned “Winter is Coming” Stark made an obligatory appearance too.
Just when I thought gore mariga a fedile jiki jiki #ColdFront pic.twitter.com/s4mqKothiA
— Purple Rain (@Gflessk) August 16, 2017
The hashtag continues to feature on timelines across the country, as temperatures across South Africa are set to drop tonight.
The interior of the country is set to experience single digits on both sides of the 0°C mark.
