Weather Alert: EC Thunderstorms, KZN Cold, and Chilly Conditions in Gauteng

South Africa faces a variety of challenging weather conditions on Tuesday, 22 July 2025. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued important impact-based warnings and advisories covering thunderstorms, cold fronts, snow, fog, and fire danger across multiple provinces. Residents should remain alert and prepared as these weather events pose risks to safety and property.

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Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Eastern Cape

SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms in the north-eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. These storms could bring localised damage to property and vehicles, as well as disruptions caused by large amounts of small hail. The thunderstorms are expected to develop during the day, particularly impacting communities near the Wild Coast and adjacent interior areas. Residents in these regions should stay cautious of sudden severe weather changes and heavy rainfall.

Cold Front and Snowfall Updates

A cold front is traversing the southern parts of the country, bringing much cooler temperatures and showers. This system is responsible for:

• Light snow expected in the evening over the north-eastern high ground of the Eastern Cape mountains.
• Very cold conditions in the south-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Cooler temperatures with morning fog patches spreading over parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.

These cold conditions create hazardous travel circumstances, especially in mountainous or fog-affected areas. Drivers and commuters are advised to exercise caution during the early mornings and evenings.

Provincial Weather Specifics and Alerts

Gauteng and North West

Both Gauteng and the North West will experience partly cloudy, cool to cold conditions, with isolated afternoon thundershowers likely in the North West’s western regions. Temperatures in Gauteng will range between 16°C and 34°C, with thundershowers possibly interrupting daily activities in the afternoon. Isolated storms may cause localized disruptions, so monitoring the weather throughout Tuesday is essential.

Northern Cape and Free State

The Northern Cape will see a mix of fog in the morning along the western parts and isolated showers and thundershowers in the east and southeast. Free State can expect partly cloudy weather with isolated thundershowers, mainly away from the northeast. Both provinces will be cold to cool, with temperatures reaching as high as 38°C in Bloemfontein and Kimberley during the day.

Eastern Cape

The western half of the Eastern Cape will experience cloudy, cold to cool conditions with isolated showers turning partly cloudy later. The eastern half faces widespread scattered showers and thundershowers, intensified by the cold front and accompanied by snowfalls over the high ground. Hazardous road conditions due to hail and snow can be expected in these areas.

KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga

KwaZulu-Natal is marked by morning fog patches and very cold to cold weather, particularly over the southern interior and parts of the east experiencing scattered rain and showers. Mpumalanga will have pockets of fog in the morning, turning partly cloudy and cloudy with drizzle and isolated showers in the afternoon.

Western Cape

The Western Cape shows signs of morning fog in the northwest, with generally cold to cool but dry weather conditions prevailing. Moderate to fresh southerly winds will accompany the cooler temperatures, especially noticeable in coastal towns such as Cape Town and George.

Limpopo

The province will experience partly cloudy and cool conditions generally, with some warmth in places. In the afternoon, skies will turn cloudy with drizzle expected particularly in the Lowveld region of Limpopo. Morning fog patches may also occur along the escarpment areas.

Fire Danger Status

Currently, the South African Weather Service reports no active fire danger warnings for July 22. However, extreme high fire danger conditions remain possible in parts of the Northern Cape, Free State, and western North West Province. Residents in these areas should be mindful of fire risks in coming days while enjoying relatively safer conditions on Tuesday.

Travel and Safety Recommendations

• Monitor local weather reports for updates throughout the day, especially in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the northern provinces.
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes during thunderstorms. Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
• Exercise caution when driving in foggy or icy areas, especially over mountain passes known for snowfalls.
• Protect yourself from extreme UV exposure in areas such as Gauteng and Cape Town where the UVB sunburn index is expected to be extreme.
• Stay informed about any changes to fire danger conditions as dry, windy weather could elevate risks.

Stay updated on today’s temperatures! Check out the South Africa Weather Forecast for 22 July 2025.

Weather Trends into Midweek

An upper air trough combined with the current cold front will maintain unstable conditions in the central and eastern parts of the country. Isolated showers and thunderstorms will continue into Wednesday, especially over the Free State, North West, and parts of Mpumalanga. Temperatures are expected to remain low in the south, with lingering fog patches and cold mornings.

For continuous updates, refer to the South African Weather Service website or trusted media outlets specialising in weather news.