Weather Alert for 8 July: SA Braces for Cold and Cloudy Start to the Week

South Africa is set for a cold and cloudy start to the week on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, with widespread frost expected across the interior and light rain along the eastern escarpment. While no impact-based warnings have been issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), residents should remain aware of changing conditions, including strong bergwinds along the west coast and chilly temperatures nationwide.

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National Overview

Tuesday will dawn with freezing cold temperatures and widespread frost in the interior regions, making it one of the coldest mornings of the season so far. Most provinces will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with temperatures remaining low throughout the day. Light rain is forecast along the eastern escarpment, while the rest of the country will largely remain dry.

Provincial Weather Alerts and Updates

Gauteng

Gauteng will experience a cold start with widespread frost in the early hours. The day will be mostly cloudy with isolated afternoon thundershowers expected. Winds will be light to moderate, coming from the south to south-east. Residents should prepare for chilly conditions, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Western Cape

The Western Cape continues to face bergwind warnings along the west coast, bringing warm, dry, and gusty conditions. These winds increase the risk of wildfires, so residents and farmers should exercise caution. Coastal regions will experience mostly dry weather, but strong winds may cause discomfort and hazardous driving conditions, particularly for high-sided vehicles.

Eastern Cape

Light rain and isolated showers are expected along the eastern escarpment, with partly cloudy skies elsewhere. The interior will remain cold, with frost likely in the early morning. Winds will be moderate and southerly, with no severe weather warnings currently in place.

KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal will see partly cloudy skies with isolated showers and thundershowers, mainly in the western and central areas. Temperatures will remain cool, especially in the mornings. Residents should be cautious of slippery roads during rainfall.

Free State

The Free State interior will experience widespread frost early Tuesday, followed by partly cloudy skies and isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers. Winds will be light, and temperatures will remain low throughout the day.

Limpopo and Mpumalanga

These provinces will be mostly dry with some morning fog along the escarpment in Mpumalanga. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected in the western Highveld and southern Limpopo. Early morning frost is likely in the interior.

Northern Cape

Central and southern parts of the Northern Cape face extremely high fire danger due to dry and warm conditions. Residents should remain vigilant and avoid open flames or activities that could spark wildfires.

North West

North West Province will be partly cloudy and warm to hot, with isolated showers and thundershowers in the afternoon. No severe weather warnings have been issued.

Weather forecast for today & tomorrow, 7 – 8 July 2025.
Isolated showers are expected over the eastern parts, otherwise, fine & cold to cool conditions are expected. #saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/1n60SHgILK
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 7, 2025

X (Twitter)

Provincial Weather Summary

Province	Weather Update & Advisory
Gauteng	Partly cloudy and cool to cold. Fine in the extreme southeast. High UVB index—limit sun exposure .
Mpumalanga	Cloudy with morning fog in the west; drizzle along the escarpment. Cold to cool temperatures .
Limpopo	Cloudy with morning drizzle along the escarpment; partly cloudy and cool to cold elsewhere .
North West	Fine and cold to cool. No weather warnings issued .
Free State	Morning fog patches in the east; otherwise, fine and cold. Bundle up for chilly mornings .
Northern Cape	Fine and cold to cool, very cold in the south. No fire danger warnings for today .
Western Cape	Morning fog patches in the northeast; fine and cool elsewhere. Rain and wind expected midweek.
Eastern Cape	Fog and frost in the morning, especially inland; fine and cold to cool. Isolated showers possible .
KwaZulu-Natal	Morning fog in the west; fine and cold to cool elsewhere. Isolated showers along the north coast .

Additional Weather Concerns

Bergwinds along the west coast remain a concern, with gusts potentially reaching strong levels. These dry, warm winds increase fire risk and can cause dust storms.
No snow or flooding warnings have been issued for Tuesday, but residents in mountainous regions should remain alert to sudden weather changes.
Fog patches may occur in the early mornings, particularly in the Free State and Mpumalanga escarpment areas, reducing visibility on roads.

Safety Tips and Recommendations

Dress warmly, especially during early mornings and evenings, to avoid cold-related illnesses.
Drivers should exercise caution in foggy or wet conditions and be aware of strong winds, particularly on exposed roads and bridges.
Avoid outdoor burning or use of open flames in fire-prone areas, especially in the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
Stay updated with official weather alerts via the South African Weather Service and local news outlets.

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Have A Lovely Day

Tuesday, 8 July 2025, will bring a cold and cloudy start to the week across South Africa, with frost widespread in the interior and light rain along the eastern escarpment. Bergwinds along the west coast and fire danger in the Northern Cape require vigilance. While no impact-based warnings have been issued, residents should prepare for chilly conditions and changing weather patterns.

Stay informed and plan your activities accordingly to stay safe and comfortable during this cold spell.