South Africa Weather Today – Thursday, 30 April 2026
Johannesburg will experience overcast conditions on Thursday, with temperatures ranging between 13°C and 20°C as a band of unsettled weather affects parts of the country. While the northern and eastern interior remains mostly cloudy, significant rainfall has developed over the Free State and Northern Cape, where moderate to heavy rain is expected to persist throughout the day. The national average temperature stands at 17°C, with Mpumalanga recording the warmest conditions at 25°C and the central interior experiencing the coolest and wettest weather.
What This Means for Your Day
Residents in the Free State and Northern Cape should prepare for disrupted travel conditions due to ongoing rain, with possible localised flooding in low-lying areas. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and allow extra travel time. In Gauteng and surrounding provinces, the overcast skies will keep temperatures moderate, making it unnecessary to prepare for extreme heat. Coastal areas, particularly Cape Town, will enjoy clearer conditions, though a southerly wind will be noticeable along the Western Cape shoreline. Those in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal can expect mild, humid conditions under persistent cloud cover.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest conditions in Mpumalanga, reaching 25°C in Mbombela
- Heavy rain affecting the Northern Cape, with Kimberley recording 12°C to 13°C
- Moderate rain in the Free State, where Bloemfontein sits between 11°C and 13°C
- Clear skies in Cape Town, with temperatures between 16°C and 18°C
- Strong northerly winds in Gauteng, gusting up to 27 km/h
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will remain under overcast clouds throughout Thursday, with temperatures between 13°C and 20°C. Northerly winds reaching 27 km/h will contribute to cool morning conditions, though the afternoon will warm slightly. Humidity levels are elevated at 85%, adding to the muggy feel. Pretoria and surrounding metro areas can expect similar conditions, with no rain anticipated but persistent grey skies.
Western Cape
Cape Town will enjoy the clearest conditions in the country today, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 18°C under sunny skies. A southerly wind at 19 km/h will keep coastal areas fresh, making it a comfortable day for outdoor activity. Humidity is moderate at 75%. Inland areas of the province may see partial cloud cover, but rainfall is unlikely.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will experience overcast conditions with temperatures between 19°C and 22°C. A north-easterly breeze at 10 km/h and humidity of 61% will keep the coastal city mild but cloudy. Inland areas, including Pietermaritzburg, will see similar cloud cover with slightly cooler temperatures. No significant rainfall is expected, though conditions remain unsettled.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will record the day’s warmest temperatures, between 17°C and 25°C, under broken clouds. Humidity is high at 82%, with light north-easterly winds at 6 km/h. The Lowveld region will experience warm, humid conditions, while the Highveld areas near Ermelo and Secunda will be cooler. No rain is forecast, but the cloud cover will limit sunshine.
Limpopo
Polokwane will see broken clouds with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 19°C. A north-north-easterly wind at 23 km/h will keep conditions breezy, and humidity sits at 78%. The Bushveld and northern regions will experience similar cloud cover, with no rainfall expected. Conditions will remain mild throughout the day.
Free State
Bloemfontein is experiencing moderate rain, with temperatures between 11°C and 13°C. Easterly winds at 20 km/h and humidity at 92% will accompany the persistent rainfall. This is one of the wettest areas in the country today, and residents should prepare for slippery roads and reduced visibility. The rain is expected to continue into the evening.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will face heavy rain today, with temperatures between 12°C and 13°C. East-south-easterly winds at 26 km/h and near-saturated humidity at 98% will make conditions particularly unpleasant. This is the most affected province, with significant rainfall expected to impact travel and outdoor work. Drivers should exercise caution, especially on rural roads.
North West
Mahikeng will see scattered clouds with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 21°C. A strong north-north-easterly wind at 40 km/h will make it the windiest location today, and humidity is at 76%. While no rain is forecast, the gusty conditions may affect outdoor activities. Rustenburg and Potchefstroom will experience similar breezy, partly cloudy weather.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will have scattered clouds and temperatures between 14°C and 20°C. A northerly wind at 8 km/h and humidity of 78% will keep conditions comfortable along the coast. Inland areas, including Mthatha, will see similar cloud cover with cooler morning temperatures. No rainfall is expected, and conditions will remain stable throughout the day.
Weekend Outlook
Friday will bring light rain to Johannesburg, with temperatures dropping to between 12°C and 16°C. The wet weather will clear by Saturday, when clear skies return and temperatures climb to between 12°C and 22°C. Sunday will continue the warming trend, reaching up to 23°C under sunny conditions. The Free State and Northern Cape should see the rain ease by Friday evening, with drier conditions expected over the weekend. Cape Town will remain mostly clear, while KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga will see gradual clearing from Saturday onward.
Weather Tips for Today
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat if travelling through the Free State or Northern Cape
- Drive cautiously in wet conditions and allow extra time for journeys in affected areas
- In Gauteng and other cloudy provinces, layer clothing to adapt to cool mornings and mild afternoons
- Take advantage of clear skies in Cape Town for outdoor plans, but prepare for the southerly wind
- Stay hydrated in Mpumalanga, where humidity levels remain high despite cloud cover
- Secure loose outdoor items in the North West due to strong winds
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.
