Cooler Weather and Rain Forecast for Central and Eastern South Africa This Weekend
A shift in the weather pattern is set to bring cooler temperatures and increased rainfall across much of central and eastern South Africa this weekend, the South African Weather Service (Saws) has warned.
Saturday, 27 September, will see a significant build-up of clouds over the central interior, with widespread showers and thundershowers expected in parts of the Northern Cape, southern Free State, and the northern Eastern Cape. Rain probability in these regions is forecast at 60%, while isolated storms with a 30% chance could occur in surrounding areas, including the North West, Gauteng, and parts of the Western and Eastern Cape.
Temperatures across the central plateau are expected to be cooler, particularly in areas under cloud cover. Winds will generally be moderate to fresh, with stronger gusts along the coasts and elevated terrain.
By Sunday, 28 September, the rain-bearing system is expected to shift eastwards. Scattered showers and thundershowers with a 60% chance are forecast for KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern Eastern Cape, and the southern Highveld, including eastern Free State and Mpumalanga. Isolated showers with a 30% chance may persist over parts of the central interior and along the southern coast between George and Port Elizabeth.
A cold front brushing the southern coastline will contribute to rainy conditions in coastal towns from Cape Agulhas through to Gqeberha. The Garden Route is expected to see a 60% chance of rain on Sunday. Coastal winds will pick up in response to the frontal system, bringing gusty conditions, particularly along the south and southeast coastlines.
While cloud cover and rainfall will keep temperatures cooler over the east, warmer and drier conditions are expected to return to the western parts of the country, particularly the Northern Cape and Western Cape interior.
Saws has urged residents in areas expecting thundershowers to remain vigilant. “Potential lightning and localised flooding may occur in places, so the public is advised to stay weather-aware,” the agency said.
As South Africa transitions into spring, this weekend serves as a reminder that sharp weather changes remain possible, and residents should plan their activities accordingly
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