While the world watches a solar eclipse, South Africa’s buried under snow

While much of the world watches Wednesday's total solar eclipse, South Africa is dealing with a different kind of rare event.

Aug 12, 2026 - 10:35

While the world watches a solar eclipse, South Africa’s buried under snow

A total solar eclipse and South Africa buried under snow. Here’s why you won’t see both.

While large parts of the world turn their eyes skyward for Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, South Africa is dealing with a very different kind of spectacle: an Orange Level 6 snow warning, cut-off communities, and one of the coldest weeks of the year.

The two events are pure coincidence, and only one of them is visible from home.

Why South Africa won’t see this eclipse

Wednesday’s total solar eclipse traces a narrow path across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with a partial eclipse visible across parts of Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa.

South Africa falls outside that path entirely. If you’re hoping to catch an eclipse from home this month, the one to watch is the partial lunar eclipse on 28 August instead.

Meanwhile, back on the ground in South Africa

While roughly 980 million people worldwide get some view of Wednesday’s eclipse, South Africans have been watching a different kind of rare event: a cold front and cut-off low that triggered an Orange Level 6 disruptive snow warning across the Eastern Cape’s Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele municipalities, cutting some communities off entirely.

It’s a reminder that while the rest of the world looks up this week, Mzansi has had its hands full looking out for icy roads and warnings closer to home.

I however, will be looking forward to the partial lunar eclipse on 28 August.