South Africa Weather Today – Thursday, 2 April 2026
Johannesburg will experience clear skies and warm conditions on Thursday, with temperatures ranging from 15°C in the early morning to a high of 27°C this afternoon. A split pattern has developed across the country, with dry, sunny weather dominating the interior provinces while Mpumalanga receives light rain and coastal regions remain under cloud cover. The Northern Cape is recording the highest temperatures today, reaching up to 31°C, while the national average sits at 23°C.
What This Means for Your Day
Residents in Gauteng, Free State and the Northern Cape can expect warm, dry conditions suitable for outdoor activities. Mpumalanga commuters should carry an umbrella due to ongoing light rain, particularly around Mbombela. Coastal areas in KwaZulu-Natal are experiencing strong easterly winds reaching 27 km/h, which may affect maritime activities. The Western Cape and Eastern Cape will see cloud cover throughout the day with mild temperatures.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Hottest region: Northern Cape recording 31°C with clear skies and low humidity at 35%
- Coolest start: Gauteng and Free State dropped to 15°C overnight
- Only rainfall: Mpumalanga experiencing light rain with 70% humidity
- Strongest winds: Durban coastal areas with easterly gusts at 27 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will see uninterrupted sunshine today with temperatures climbing from 15°C to 27°C. Pretoria is tracking similar conditions with clear skies and light north-easterly winds at 4 km/h. Humidity levels remain moderate at 52%, making for comfortable afternoon conditions across the province.
Western Cape
Cape Town is under overcast cloud cover with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. South-easterly winds are blowing at 5 km/h, with humidity at 72%. The cloud layer is expected to persist through the afternoon, keeping temperatures mild along the Atlantic seaboard.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will experience scattered clouds with temperatures between 23°C and 26°C. Strong easterly winds reaching 27 km/h are affecting the coastline, creating choppy conditions for beachgoers. Humidity stands at 74%, making the air feel close despite the cloud cover.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha is seeing scattered clouds with temperatures from 20°C to 25°C. East-north-easterly winds at 13 km/h are bringing moisture from the Indian Ocean, resulting in 81% humidity. The cloud cover will provide some relief from direct sun exposure throughout the day.
Limpopo
Polokwane is experiencing few clouds with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 26°C. East-south-easterly winds are stronger than elsewhere in the interior, blowing at 16 km/h. Humidity levels are elevated at 62%, which may make afternoon conditions feel warmer than the actual temperature.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela is the only major centre receiving rainfall today, with light rain and temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. Easterly winds at 8 km/h are pushing moisture from the Lowveld, maintaining 70% humidity. Rain gear is essential for anyone travelling through the province this afternoon.
North West
Mahikeng will see scattered clouds with temperatures climbing from 17°C to 29°C. Northerly winds at 9 km/h are bringing warmer air into the region. Despite the cloud cover, temperatures will reach near 30°C by mid-afternoon, with humidity at 56%.
Free State
Bloemfontein is enjoying clear skies with temperatures spanning 15°C to 29°C. Northerly winds at 10 km/h are contributing to the warm conditions. Humidity remains comfortable at 54%, with full sunshine expected from sunrise to sunset.
Northern Cape
Kimberley is recording the day’s highest temperatures, ranging from 21°C to 31°C under cloudless skies. Northerly winds at 13 km/h are bringing hot, dry air across the province. With humidity at just 35%, residents should prioritise hydration and sun protection during peak afternoon hours.
Weekend Outlook
The weekend will bring stable, clear conditions across most of the country. Saturday will see temperatures in Johannesburg reach 27°C, climbing further to 29°C on Sunday. The Northern Cape and North West will continue experiencing the warmest weather, with daytime highs in the upper 20s. No significant rainfall is forecast for any province through the weekend, with coastal cloud clearing by Saturday morning.
Weather Tips for Today
- Apply sunscreen in the Northern Cape, Free State and Gauteng where UV exposure will be high under clear skies
- Mpumalanga drivers should reduce speed and use headlights in areas of light rain
- Durban beachgoers should check wind conditions before entering the water due to strong easterly gusts
- Stay hydrated in the Northern Cape and North West where temperatures exceed 29°C
- Evening temperatures will drop to 15°C in Gauteng and Free State – keep a jacket handy after sunset
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.
