South Africa Weather Today – Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Johannesburg is under overcast skies on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, with temperatures ranging between 13°C and 19°C as a mixed weather pattern brings rain to several provinces while the interior remains dry. Moderate to light rain is affecting Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and the Eastern Cape, while the Free State and Northern Cape enjoy clear conditions. The national average temperature sits at 17°C.
What This Means for Your Day
Residents in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Eastern Cape should carry rain gear and prepare for wet roads during the morning commute. Johannesburg and Pretoria will see thick cloud cover but remain dry, though northern winds up to 15 km/h may bring a chill. Those in the Free State and Northern Cape can expect sunny conditions but cold starts, with morning lows dropping to single digits. Coastal areas in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape will experience strong south-westerly winds between 29 and 30 km/h, making conditions feel cooler than actual temperatures suggest.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- North West records the warmest daytime high at 24°C in Mahikeng under light rain
- Northern Cape sees the coldest morning low at 7°C in Kimberley with clear skies
- Polokwane experiences moderate rain with humidity at 96% and temperatures steady at 16°C to 17°C
- Strong coastal winds of 29 to 30 km/h affect Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town
- Gauteng remains dry but cloudy with moderate northerly winds
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will remain under overcast skies throughout Wednesday with temperatures between 13°C and 19°C. Northerly winds at 15 km/h will keep conditions fresh, with humidity at 74%. Pretoria can expect similar cloud cover without rain, though cooler pockets may persist in low-lying areas during the morning. The thick cloud layer will suppress daytime heating.
Limpopo
Polokwane is experiencing moderate rain on Wednesday with temperatures holding between 16°C and 17°C. Easterly winds at 12 km/h are delivering moisture from the lowveld, pushing humidity to 96%. Rainfall is expected to continue through the afternoon, creating slippery conditions on rural roads. Motorists should reduce speed and use headlights.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will see light rain with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 21°C under high humidity of 95%. South-easterly winds remain light at 5 km/h, keeping rain steady but not intense. The lowveld region should prepare for intermittent showers through the day, with conditions improving only late in the afternoon.
North West
Mahikeng reaches the country’s warmest high of 24°C on Wednesday despite light rain showers. Temperatures start at 16°C under northerly winds of 14 km/h. Humidity sits at 76%, and rainfall will be scattered rather than sustained. The province is positioned on the edge of the rain band moving across the northern interior.
Free State
Bloemfontein enjoys clear skies with a wide temperature range from 9°C to 21°C. Southerly winds at 12 km/h will keep conditions crisp, with humidity dropping to 43%. The morning will be cold, particularly in exposed areas, but sunshine will warm the province steadily through midday. No rain is forecast.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban sees overcast skies with temperatures between 18°C and 21°C. Strong south-westerly winds at 29 km/h are driving cloud cover inland from the coast, and humidity stands at 60%. While rain is not forecast for the metro, conditions will feel cooler due to wind chill. Coastal activities should account for choppy seas.
Northern Cape
Kimberley starts Wednesday at a cold 7°C before climbing to 21°C under clear skies. Southerly winds at 15 km/h and low humidity of 41% will create dry, sunny conditions ideal for outdoor work. The temperature swing is the widest in the country today, so layered clothing is essential for the morning.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha is affected by light rain with temperatures between 15°C and 17°C. West-south-westerly winds are the strongest in the country at 30 km/h, driving rain across the metro and surrounding areas. Humidity is moderate at 63%, and rain will persist into the afternoon. Drivers should expect reduced visibility on the N2.
Western Cape
Cape Town has scattered clouds with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 19°C. South-easterly winds at 30 km/h are bringing typical autumn conditions to the peninsula, with humidity at 59%. While rain is not expected, the wind will make it feel colder, particularly along the Atlantic seaboard. Table Mountain may see cloud cover on its eastern slopes.
Weekend Outlook
Johannesburg will experience a sharp drop in temperature on Thursday and Friday, with rain likely and highs struggling to reach 14°C on Thursday and just 10°C on Friday. The wet spell will ease by Saturday, with cloud cover persisting and temperatures recovering to 17°C. Sunday brings relief with clear skies and a high of 22°C, signalling a return to settled autumn weather across Gauteng and much of the interior. Coastal provinces will remain breezy.
Weather Tips for Today
- Carry an umbrella if travelling through Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West or the Eastern Cape
- Drive cautiously on wet roads, especially in rural Limpopo where moderate rain is forecast
- Layer clothing in the Free State and Northern Cape, where morning temperatures start below 10°C
- Expect strong winds along the KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape coasts; secure outdoor items
- Johannesburg and Pretoria residents can leave rain gear at home but should dress for overcast, cool conditions
- Check road conditions on the N2 through the Eastern Cape due to rain and wind
Useful Weather and Travel Links
Looking for more to do after checking the forecast? Explore the latest events in Gauteng and plan your day around the weather.
You can also browse our weather category for more South Africa weather updates and recent forecast articles.
For official forecasting and weather advisories, visit the South African Weather Service.
