Thursday weather: Rain in 6 provinces, warm in Gauteng as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts a mix of warm temperatures, scattered showers, thunderstorms and cold conditions across several provinces. While residents in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo can expect generally fine and warm weather, six provinces are expected to experience rain or thunderstorms throughout the day.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cold front continues to influence weather conditions in the Western Cape, while scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected over parts of the North West, Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Motorists and commuters are advised to remain cautious in areas affected by rain, reduced visibility and wet roads.

Thursday weather forecast

The Thursday weather forecast indicates contrasting weather patterns across South Africa, with some provinces enjoying pleasant winter sunshine while others prepare for rain and colder temperatures.

Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo are expected to remain mostly dry, while the Western Cape will experience widespread rainfall that is forecast to spread eastwards later in the day.

Scattered showers and thundershowers are also expected across the North West, Free State and parts of the Northern Cape, while isolated coastal showers are forecast for sections of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

South Africa weather today

Gauteng warm weather

Residents can expect Gauteng warm weather with fine conditions dominating most parts of the province.

Forecast temperatures include:

• Pretoria: 9°C – 23°C
• Johannesburg: 8°C – 20°C
• Vereeniging: 4°C – 21°C

The far south of Gauteng may experience partly cloudy skies during the day, while northern areas remain pleasantly warm.

Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga is expected to remain fine with cool morning temperatures becoming warm during the afternoon.

Forecast temperatures include:

• Mbombela: 10°C – 27°C
• Ermelo: 5°C – 21°C
• Emalahleni: 7°C – 22°C
• Standerton: -1°C – 22°C
• Skukuza: 13°C – 31°C

Skukuza is expected to record one of the country’s highest temperatures on Thursday.

Limpopo

Limpopo will continue enjoying fine weather with warm daytime temperatures across most regions.

Forecast temperatures include:

• Polokwane: 7°C – 25°C
• Phalaborwa: 12°C – 29°C
• Tzaneen: 11°C – 27°C
• Musina: 11°C – 28°C
• Lephalale: 8°C – 27°C
• Mokopane: 9°C – 26°C

Rain in six provinces

Western Cape

The Western Cape will experience the most significant weather changes on Thursday.

Cloudy and cold conditions are expected, with intermittent rainfall developing over the south-west during the morning before spreading eastwards later in the day.

Strong north-westerly winds are also expected along coastal areas before changing to south-westerly by late afternoon.

Forecast temperatures:

• Cape Town: 10°C – 16°C
• George: 9°C – 16°C
• Worcester: 5°C – 16°C
• Beaufort West: 5°C – 16°C
• Oudtshoorn: 5°C – 15°C
• Calvinia: -1°C – 14°C
• Sutherland: -5°C – 11°C

North West

The North West Province is expected to remain partly cloudy with isolated showers and thundershowers, especially over southern areas.

Forecast temperatures include:

• Mahikeng: 10°C – 24°C
• Rustenburg: 7°C – 23°C
• Potchefstroom: 7°C – 24°C
• Klerksdorp: 6°C – 23°C
• Vryburg: 8°C – 24°C

Free State

The Free State will experience cool to cold weather with isolated showers and thundershowers across several areas.

Forecast temperatures:

• Bloemfontein: 5°C – 20°C
• Welkom: 6°C – 22°C
• Bethlehem: 4°C – 19°C

Northern Cape

Parts of the Northern Cape will see isolated showers and thunderstorms, while central regions remain mostly fine.

Forecast temperatures:

• Kimberley: 8°C – 21°C
• Upington: 4°C – 19°C
• De Aar: 6°C – 18°C
• Springbok: 2°C – 15°C
• Alexander Bay: 7°C – 20°C

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape will remain partly cloudy with isolated to scattered showers expected along coastal regions and nearby interior areas.

Forecast temperatures include:

• Gqeberha: 13°C – 21°C
• East London: 14°C – 20°C
• Mthatha: 9°C – 24°C
• Makhanda: 9°C – 18°C
• Komani: 4°C – 21°C

Fresh to strong south-westerly winds are expected along the coastline.

KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal will begin with morning fog over the northern interior before clearing to partly cloudy conditions.

Isolated showers are expected along the south coast and adjacent inland areas.

Forecast temperatures include:

• Durban: 16°C – 24°C
• Richard’s Bay: 17°C – 27°C
• Pietermaritzburg: 10°C – 24°C
• Ladysmith: 3°C – 25°C

South African Weather Service (SAWS) issues advisory

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised residents to prepare for changing weather conditions, particularly in provinces expecting rainfall and strong winds.

Motorists should allow for longer travelling times where rain may reduce visibility or create slippery road conditions.

People living in colder regions, particularly in the Western Cape and higher-lying parts of the Northern Cape, are encouraged to dress warmly as temperatures remain well below average in some areas.

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Weather outlook

The current weather pattern highlights South Africa’s varied winter climate, with warm sunshine in the northern provinces contrasting sharply with wet and cold conditions affecting the south-western parts of the country.

Residents in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo can expect another pleasant winter day, while those in the Western Cape, Free State, North West, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal should prepare for rain, strong winds and cooler temperatures.

As always, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) encourages the public to stay informed by monitoring official weather updates before travelling or planning outdoor activities.