FREE STATE - Members of the public are encouraged to take precautions as the first frost of the winter season is expected to hit the Central and Southern parts of the Free State province and along the Lesotho border from Saturday, May 3.

The South African Weather Services in Bloemfontein has warned.

Spokesperson for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Human Settlements, Zimasa Mbewu says municipalities that will be affected are Mangaung Metro, Kopanong, Setsoto, Masilonyana, Mantsopa and Mohokare municipalities.

She says temperatures are likely to drop below zero degrees.

"Members of the public are advised to keep warm and to avoid exposure to prolonged cold conditions.

"Farmers are also advised to take precautionary measures and to ensure the safety and health of their animals and crops", Mbewu said.