• Johannesburg and Pretoria are expecting lows of 10°C and 11°C as icy weather hits Gauteng.

• Emergency teams are monitoring all regions and are ready to respond to fires. 

Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) are on high alert as a cold front brings freezing weather to Gauteng.

The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for both Johannesburg and Pretoria, where temperatures are expected to drop sharply from Friday.

Gauteng Weather forecasts show Johannesburg could see a low of 10°C and a high of just 18°C. Pretoria is not far behind, expecting temperatures between 11°C and 20°C.

Emergency services are getting ready for a rise in winter-related incidents. “We are on high alert and monitoring all seven regions of the city,” said Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for Johannesburg EMS, the Citizen reported.

He asked residents to take extra care when using heaters and other warming devices. “Don’t leave heaters or paraffin stoves unattended. Make sure they’re switched off before you go to bed,” he said.

People in informal settlements, who often use braziers (imbaula) to keep warm, face the highest risk. Mulaudzi warned residents to only use them in well-ventilated areas and never indoors overnight.

He also reminded parents to keep children away from open flames and heating devices to prevent burn injuries or toxic fume inhalation.

This is the second cold front warning issued by the city this week.

Pictured above: Gauteng.

Image source: Gauteng Info