South Africa Weather Today – Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Johannesburg will see scattered clouds and temperatures between 7°C and 13°C on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, as a cold front pushes through the country. The system is bringing rain to the central interior and Eastern Cape, with moderate rainfall already affecting Gqeberha. Coastal KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga remain warmer, while the Free State, Northern Cape and central provinces experience cooler, wetter conditions with strong westerly winds.
What This Means for Your Day
Residents in the Free State, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape should prepare for wet weather and pack rain gear. Morning temperatures across the central interior will feel cold, with highs struggling to reach double digits. Coastal areas in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape will offer more moderate conditions, though winds remain brisk. Drivers in rain-affected regions should allow extra travel time and exercise caution on wet roads.
South Africa Weather Highlights
- Warmest regions: Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal both reaching 27°C
- Coldest overnight minimum: Northern Cape at 4°C
- Rainfall: Moderate rain in Gqeberha, light rain across Free State and Northern Cape
- Strongest winds: Northern Cape with gusts up to 36 km/h from the west-northwest
- National average temperature: 14°C
What to Expect Across the Provinces
Gauteng
Johannesburg will experience scattered clouds with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 13°C. West-northwest winds at 17 km/h will add to the chill. Pretoria can expect similar conditions with cloudy periods and a cool day ahead. Residents should dress warmly for the morning commute, as temperatures will hover in single digits until mid-morning.
Western Cape
Cape Town will see scattered clouds and temperatures between 13°C and 18°C. South-southeast winds at 20 km/h will persist along the coast. The Mother City remains relatively dry compared to the rest of the country, though cloud cover will limit sunshine. Humidity sits at 77 per cent, making conditions feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban will have overcast clouds with temperatures between 20°C and 27°C, offering one of the warmer conditions nationally. North-northwest winds at 24 km/h will bring breezy coastal conditions. Pietermaritzburg and inland areas will also remain mild, though cloud cover will be persistent throughout the day.
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha will experience moderate rain with temperatures between 14°C and 16°C. Northerly winds at 16 km/h and high humidity at 92 per cent will create damp, uncomfortable conditions. Mthatha and East London will also see rain, with the wet weather expected to continue into the evening. Outdoor activities should be postponed, and motorists must take care on slippery roads.
Free State
Bloemfontein will receive light rain with temperatures between 5°C and 9°C, making it one of the coldest centres today. West-northwest winds at 35 km/h will drive the cold front through the region. Welkom and surrounding towns will experience similar conditions, with the rain bringing much-needed moisture to agricultural areas but creating challenging conditions for commuters.
Limpopo
Polokwane will see broken clouds with temperatures between 12°C and 19°C. Westerly winds at 15 km/h will keep conditions breezy but manageable. Tzaneen and the Lowveld areas will remain slightly warmer, with cloud cover increasing during the afternoon. The province largely escapes the rain affecting the south.
Mpumalanga
Mbombela will have broken clouds and temperatures between 14°C and 27°C, tying for the warmest maximum temperature in the country. Light west-northwest winds at 4 km/h will keep conditions calm. Nelspruit and surrounding Lowveld regions will enjoy mild conditions, though humidity at 66 per cent may make the warmth feel more pronounced.
North West
Mahikeng will see broken clouds with temperatures between 7°C and 13°C. Westerly winds at 22 km/h will maintain cool conditions throughout the day. Rustenburg and Potchefstroom will experience similar weather, with the cold front just skirting the southern parts of the province. Morning frost is unlikely, but temperatures will feel crisp.
Northern Cape
Kimberley will receive light rain with temperatures between 4°C and 10°C, marking the coldest overnight low in the country. West-northwest winds at 36 km/h will be the strongest nationally, creating challenging conditions. Upington in the north will remain drier but still cool, while southern towns bear the brunt of the rain and wind associated with the passing front.
Weekend Outlook
The cold front will clear by Thursday, with Johannesburg seeing clear skies and temperatures between 6°C and 13°C. Friday will warm slightly to 15°C under sunny conditions. The weekend looks increasingly mild, with Saturday reaching 17°C and Sunday climbing to 18°C, both with scattered to overcast clouds. Rain-affected provinces will dry out from Thursday, with improving conditions into the weekend across most of the country.
Weather Tips for Today
- Keep an umbrella handy if travelling through the Free State, Northern Cape or Eastern Cape
- Layer clothing in Gauteng, Free State and North West due to cold morning temperatures
- Drive carefully in wet conditions and allow extra time for journeys in rain-affected areas
- Secure outdoor furniture and equipment in areas experiencing strong westerly winds
- Check weather updates if planning outdoor activities in the Eastern Cape, where moderate rain will persist
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.
