Ahead of special voting days and the upcoming local government elections, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has alerted voters to prepare for high temperatures and possible thundershowers.

The seasonal outlook, influenced by a developing El Niño pattern, indicates below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across parts of the country, though SAWS noted showers and thundershowers may still occur in places.

Weather Outlook

Partly cloudy, warm to hot conditions are forecast across much of the country on Sunday, November 1, ahead of the special voting days.

“It will be very hot in places over the Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers are expected over most parts of the country, while scattered showers and thundershowers are forecast over parts of the Eastern Cape, KZN and Mpumalanga,” SAWS said.

Similar conditions are expected to persist on Monday, November 2, and Tuesday, November 3, with isolated to scattered thundershowers possible over several provinces.

“Voters are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly, particularly in areas where afternoon thunderstorms are expected,” the weather service said.

On election day, Wednesday, November 4, fine and warm to very hot conditions are expected over the central and western parts of the country.

“Partly cloudy and cool conditions are expected in places over the eastern parts, with morning drizzle possible along the eastern Drakensberg. Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers are also expected over the eastern parts of the country,” SAWS said.

Advice to the Public

SAWS advised voters, election officials and the public to monitor conditions when planning travel and voting activities.
Members of the public are encouraged to:

• Stay hydrated and take precautions against heat exposure, particularly in areas expecting very hot conditions
• Carry umbrellas or raincoats where showers and thundershowers are expected
• Allow sufficient time for travel and exercise caution on wet roads, especially during periods of reduced visibility
• Monitor official SAWS weather forecasts, warnings and advisories for updates on changing weather conditions

The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor weather developments throughout the voting period and will issue severe weather warnings and advisories when necessary.

Members of the public are encouraged to follow SAWS through its official communication platforms for the latest weather information.