SA Weather Alert: Rain, Snow and Thunderstorms Forecast for 21/07/2025
A cold front sweeps across South Africa today, Monday, 21 July 2025, bringing significant weather changes. Expect scattered rainfall, cooler temperatures, and the possibility of snow in some regions. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings, urging residents to prepare for challenging conditions.
SEE FULL WEATHER FORECAST: South African Weather Forecast July 21, 2025
National Weather Overview
A cold front currently moves across the country, ushering in a chilly and wet start to the week . Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are likely in several provinces today and tomorrow. Temperatures across most of the country will remain cool to cold, particularly in central and southern areas. Strong winds are also expected, especially along the southern and eastern coastlines.
Provincial Weather Warnings and Conditions
Gauteng
Gauteng will remain dry today, with no severe weather warnings in place. It will be partly cloudy and warm with isolated thundershowers from the afternoon. The expected UVB sunburn index is very high.
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape anticipates scattered rainfall today, with a 60% probability over parts of the province. This includes the southern coastline. The wet weather will continue into Tuesday, with scattered showers along the south-eastern coast and interior regions. A Yellow Level 2 warning is in effect for severe thunderstorms in the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape, south of the escarpment. These storms could cause localised damage to settlements, property, and vehicles due to damaging winds, hail, and excessive lightning. Extremely hot conditions are expected in places over the western interior, while hot and humid conditions will create uncomfortable conditions over the south-eastern interior.
KwaZulu-Natal
Southern KwaZulu-Natal has a 60% probability of scattered rainfall today. A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall was issued for the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 19 July. This warning indicates a moderate risk of localised flooding in informal and formal settlements, inundation of low-lying roads and bridges, and difficult driving conditions. The second cold front in July continues to affect coastal provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, so residents should stay alert for rapid weather changes.
Northern Cape
The Northern Cape expects isolated thunderstorms today, with a 30% chance of rain. Isolated 30% rain is also forecast for Tuesday. Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the central and southern parts of the Northern Cape. A Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging winds was declared for the central Northern Cape on Sunday, 20 July. These winds could cause localised problems for high-sided vehicles and increase the risk of runaway fires.
Free State
The Free State will see isolated thunderstorms today, with a 30% chance of rain. Forecasters predict isolated 30% rain over the southern Free State on Tuesday. Forecasters expect extremely high fire danger conditions in the extreme southern parts of the province, while morning fog patches are likely to develop in the far eastern areas.
Limpopo
Limpopo anticipates isolated thunderstorms today, with a 30% chance of rain in parts of the province. Isolated 30% rain is also forecast for parts of Limpopo on Tuesday. The east will be fine, while the south-west will be partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers and thundershowers.
Western Cape
Cold air, cloud cover, and rainfall will create biting conditions across the Cape provinces today. The wind along the coast will be moderate south to south-easterly, becoming fresh from the afternoon. Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the north-eastern parts of the Western Cape.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga will also remain dry today, with no severe weather warnings in place. Morning fog is expected along the escarpment. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and warm with isolated showers and thundershowers in the western Highveld. The east will be fine.
North West
The North West will be partly cloudy, and warm to hot, with isolated showers and thundershowers.
Safety Recommendations
Residents across affected regions should dress warmly and exercise caution, especially when travelling in wet weather. Stay informed with official weather updates from the South African Weather Service as conditions may evolve rapidly. Motorists, pedestrians, and local communities should remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to water accumulation or poor drainage.
Stay Warm
The cold front continues its sweep, bringing cooler conditions and continued rainfall to various parts of the country. Remain vigilant and prepared for changing weather conditions throughout the week.
