Fake Weather Alert: Public To Ignore Misleading 'aphelion Phenomenon'

The South African Weather Service SAWS has issued a public warning in response to a false weather alert currently circulating on social media and messaging platforms. The hoax message claims that South Africa will experience a countrywide cold spell due to the Aphelion phenomenon lasting until August 2025 - a claim SAWS confirms is completely untrue and misleading.

According to SAWS, the Aphelion - the point in Earths orbit where it is farthest from the Sun - will occur on 3 July 2025 at 3:54pm. However, the weather service emphasises that this astronomical event does not significantly affect global or regional temperatures, and it plays no role in determining seasons, especially in South Africa.

SAWS is urging the public not to share or propagate the hoax message, as it may create unnecessary panic and confusion. Contrary to the claims made in the viral message, official forecasts predict warmer-than-normal conditions for much of the country during the 2025 winter season.