South Africans are feeling the heat as a dramatic shift in weather sweeps across the country, with Gauteng and several other provinces trading in the last vestiges of winter for a spell of unseasonably warm—and at times hot—weather. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a dominant high-pressure system is the main culprit, ushering in fine and warm to hot conditions over Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo, and northern KwaZulu-Natal from Wednesday, August 20, 2025, until at least Tuesday, August 26.
For many, the change is a welcome relief from the recent cold snap. In Gauteng, residents are preparing for temperatures to soar, with the mercury expected to approach 30°C by Friday. The mornings may still carry a hint of chill, but daytime warmth will arrive quickly, prompting some to dig out their sun hats and sunscreen. Yet, as SAWS warns, this spring-like weather brings its own set of challenges—most notably, a very high UVB sunburn index and an elevated risk of fire in dry areas.
"The region’s expected UVB sunburn index is high," the SAWS stated in its latest forecast, underscoring the need for residents to take precautions against prolonged sun exposure. This warning isn’t just for those planning a day at the park or a braai; even brief outdoor activities can result in sunburn, so sunscreen, hydration, and protective clothing are the order of the day.
Gauteng isn’t alone in experiencing these conditions. Across the country, provincial forecasts paint a picture of widespread warmth, with only a few pockets of cool or cold weather remaining. Mpumalanga, for instance, will greet the day with morning fog patches in the southeast before clearing to fine and cool to warm conditions. Limpopo is set for a fine and warm day—hot in places up north—while North West can expect similar fine and warm weather.
In the Free State, residents will enjoy fine and cool to warm conditions, though the south is expected to become partly cloudy by the afternoon. The Northern Cape starts with morning fog along the coast and cloudy skies, but this will give way to fine and cool to warm weather, becoming partly cloudy and windy in the south as the day progresses.
The Western Cape, meanwhile, offers a mixed bag: cloudy and cold with light rain over the extreme southwestern parts, but otherwise fine and cool—warm in the extreme northeast. The Eastern Cape is divided into two halves for the day’s forecast. The western half starts cloudy with fog in places before clearing to fine and cool, warming up in some areas, while the eastern half follows a similar pattern, with the fog lifting to reveal fine and cool conditions.
KwaZulu-Natal faces cloudy and cool weather with isolated showers and rain, gradually becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon. Winds in this region will strengthen during the day, raising the fire risk in already dry areas.
Fire danger warnings are a recurring theme in this week’s forecasts. SAWS has flagged extremely high fire danger conditions in central parts of the Northern Cape, the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality in North West, the Laingsburg and Beaufort West Local Municipalities in the Western Cape, and the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Residents in these regions are urged to avoid burning activities and stay alert to any fire warnings.
The risks aren’t limited to fires. The warm spell, while a relief for those weary of winter, brings a host of safety considerations. The combination of high temperatures, intense sun, and occasionally windy conditions means outdoor activities should be planned with care. According to guidance from SAWS and local authorities, residents should wear sunscreen with a high SPF, stay hydrated, monitor weather updates, and exercise caution during the hottest parts of the day. In open spaces, moderate northwest winds can quickly become fresh, so even a simple walk could require more planning than usual.
“The transition from winter to spring in Gauteng brings warming temperatures as high-pressure systems dominate the region,” SAWS explained. This pattern leads to clear skies, intermittent clouds, and the occasional thunderstorm, particularly in the late afternoons or evenings. While these storms are generally brief, they can be heavy at times, so it pays to keep an eye on the forecast if you’re out and about.
Other provinces are seeing their own version of this weather rollercoaster. In Mpumalanga, cool mornings with widespread fog patches clear to warm, partly cloudy conditions as the day progresses, with isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers over the western Highveld. Limpopo experiences cool to warm conditions, with isolated showers mainly in the southwest and dissipating fog. North West faces partly cloudy, warm, and windy conditions, with the possibility of isolated showers, though most areas remain dry.
The Free State enjoys fine and warm weather, turning partly cloudy with isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers. Morning fog is expected in some eastern areas. The Northern Cape deals with lingering morning fog along the coast, but inland areas are very warm to hot and windy, especially in central and eastern parts. Fire danger warnings remain active here, as well.
In the Western Cape, morning fog and light coastal rain clear to reveal fine, hot conditions inland. Winds vary from moderate to fresh southwesterly breezes. The Eastern Cape starts with morning fog in southern parts, which gives way to hot and partly cloudy weather, with isolated thunderstorms scattered across the northeast. KwaZulu-Natal, as mentioned, is partly cloudy and cool to warm, with isolated showers along the coast and strengthening winds adding to the fire risk.
For those eager to enjoy the outdoors, the warmer weather is a blessing, but health risks from heat and sun exposure are real. Adjustments in clothing, travel times, and daily routines are recommended. SAWS encourages everyone to pay attention to real-time alerts, particularly regarding fire warnings, thunderstorms, and visibility issues caused by fog.
Warnings to watch for in the coming days include heatwaves with temperatures close to 30°C in Gauteng, isolated thunderstorms that could lead to sudden downpours, a very high UV index, and fire danger alerts—especially in the northern and central dry regions of Gauteng and neighboring provinces.
As South Africa transitions from winter’s chill to the embrace of spring, the message from experts is clear: enjoy the warmth, but don’t let your guard down. Stay informed, take precautions, and savor the seasonal change—safely.
