South Africa Weather Today – Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Johannesburg will reach a high of 23°C this Wednesday under clear skies, with overnight lows dropping to 9°C. A high-pressure system dominates most of South Africa, bringing settled conditions and sunny weather across the interior provinces. Coastal areas in the Western and Eastern Cape remain cloudier with cooler temperatures, while the Northern Cape and North West record the warmest conditions nationwide.
What This Means for Your Day
Morning temperatures across the interior will require a jacket, especially in Bloemfontein and Johannesburg where overnight lows dip to single digits. By midday, conditions will warm rapidly under clear skies, making sunscreen essential for outdoor activities. Coastal residents in Cape Town and Gqeberha should expect cloudy conditions and cooler maximums, with southerly winds along the Western Cape coast reaching 16 km/h.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest region: Northern Cape reaching 29°C in Kimberley
- Second warmest: North West at 28°C in Mahikeng
- Third warmest: Mpumalanga at 27°C in Mbombela
- Coolest maximum: Western Cape at 17°C in Cape Town
- Coldest overnight low: Free State at 7°C in Bloemfontein
- National average temperature: 19°C
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will see clear skies throughout Wednesday with temperatures ranging from 9°C overnight to a maximum of 23°C. North-westerly winds at 12 km/h will keep conditions comfortable. Pretoria and the East Rand can expect similar conditions with low humidity levels around 36%, making for crisp winter air.
Western Cape
Cape Town will remain under broken cloud cover with temperatures between 12°C and 17°C. Southerly winds at 16 km/h will bring a cool breeze off the Atlantic. The cloud cover will persist through the day, keeping conditions mild but preventing significant warming. Coastal areas should prepare for overcast skies without rainfall.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will enjoy clear skies with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C. North-easterly winds at 14 km/h will bring comfortable conditions along the coast. Humidity levels at 66% will be higher than the interior, typical for coastal winter weather. Pietermaritzburg and inland areas will experience cooler morning temperatures with warm afternoons.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will see scattered clouds with temperatures between 11°C and 18°C. Light north-north-westerly winds at 3 km/h mean calm conditions, though the cloud cover will keep maximums below 20°C. The city will experience cooler conditions compared to the interior provinces, with humidity at 78% creating a damper feel.
Free State
Bloemfontein will record the coldest overnight temperature in the country at 7°C, rising to 25°C under clear skies. North-north-westerly winds at 16 km/h will bring dry conditions ideal for outdoor work. The large diurnal temperature range requires layered clothing for early morning and late afternoon.
Limpopo
Polokwane will experience clear conditions with temperatures from 9°C to 24°C. Light north-easterly winds at 4 km/h mean calm weather across the province. The Lowveld areas will be slightly warmer, while the Waterberg region will see similar clear conditions with low humidity at 45%.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will reach 27°C with overnight lows of 14°C under clear skies. North-easterly winds at 7 km/h will keep conditions settled. The province will be one of the warmest regions today, with the Lowveld experiencing pleasant winter warmth. Humidity at 54% will be moderate for the region.
North West
Mahikeng will see temperatures climb from 12°C to 28°C, making it one of the warmest cities in South Africa today. North-north-westerly winds at 16 km/h will bring dry conditions with very low humidity at 27%. Clear skies will dominate, requiring sun protection during midday hours.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will record the highest temperature nationwide at 29°C, with overnight lows of 12°C. North-north-westerly winds at 18 km/h will be the strongest in the province under cloudless skies. Humidity at just 26% will create very dry conditions. The Karoo and western areas will experience similarly warm, settled weather.
Weekend Outlook
The high-pressure system will maintain its grip through the weekend. Saturday will bring overcast clouds to Johannesburg with temperatures between 16°C and 24°C, while Sunday returns to clear conditions with a high of 25°C. Most provinces will see a gradual warming trend, with the Northern Cape and North West remaining the warmest regions. Coastal areas will continue with partial cloud cover and cooler maximums through Sunday.
Weather Tips for Today
- Layer clothing for cold mornings and warm afternoons, especially in the Free State and Gauteng
- Apply sunscreen if spending extended time outdoors in the Northern Cape, North West or Mpumalanga
- Keep hydrated in low-humidity regions where dry air can cause dehydration
- Coastal residents should prepare for cloudy conditions and cooler temperatures in Cape Town and Gqeberha
- North-westerly winds may increase dust in the Northern Cape and North West provinces
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.
South Africa Weather Warning Today: Gauteng Forecast and Alerts
Last updated: 25 February 2026
This weather hub covers Gauteng-focused alerts, daily forecast context, and practical preparation tips.
Today in Gauteng
Check current alert conditions, possible impact areas, and likely weather trends for the next 24 hours.
7-Day Snapshot
Use this hub to understand short-term changes in rain risk, heat conditions, and storm activity.
Where To Track Live Updates
Safety Checklist
- Plan around severe storm windows.
- Avoid flood-prone routes where possible.
- Monitor official warnings before travel.
FAQ
How often is this page updated?
As new weather alerts and forecast updates are published.