South Africans are being urged to prepare for a significant drop in temperatures as freezing conditions and rainfall are expected to sweep across various parts of the country on Friday, 20 June 2025. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a series of cold fronts will make their way across the provinces, bringing cold, wet, and windy weather to many regions.
Here’s a detailed look at what each province can expect:
Gauteng
Gauteng residents can expect a cool yet mostly pleasant day, with clear skies dominating the forecast. However, despite the chill, the UVB Sunburn Index will remain high, meaning people should still apply sunscreen if spending extended periods outdoors. Gauteng, home to South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, boasts a population of about 16 million and remains the country’s economic powerhouse.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga will enjoy fine and cool conditions, with slightly warmer temperatures expected in the Lowveld and along the escarpment. This province, with its capital in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), is home to approximately 4.7 million people and is a popular gateway to the famous Kruger National Park.
Limpopo
Limpopo is forecast to experience mostly fine weather, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm. Polokwane, the capital, will likely enjoy mild conditions. Known for its rich agricultural output, Limpopo is home to roughly 5.9 million residents.
North West
The North West province can expect cool and fine conditions throughout the day. Mahikeng, the provincial capital, may see gentle breezes as temperatures stay moderate. Around 4.2 million people live in North West, which borders Botswana to the north.
Free State
Residents in the Free State should brace for a cold to cool and windy day. Bloemfontein, one of South Africa’s three capitals, could see temperatures dip particularly low by evening. With its population nearing 3 million, the Free State remains a key agricultural hub.
Northern Cape
The Northern Cape will see cloudy skies in the south and southwest, with the rest of the province expected to stay cold to cool. Winds along the coast will become southerly in the afternoon. As the largest province by land area but the least populated (around 1.3 million), its capital is Kimberley.
Western Cape
The Western Cape will experience cloudy and chilly conditions, with light rain forecast in the southwest, spreading to coastal regions later. Cape Town will be hit by fresh to strong westerly winds. The UVB Sunburn Index here will be low. About 7.2 million people call the province home.
Eastern Cape
The western half of the Eastern Cape will be cool to cold with isolated coastal showers. The eastern half is expected to stay fine and cool. Bhisho is the province’s capital city.
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal will have partly cloudy conditions clearing by midday, with cool to warm temperatures prevailing. However, the UVB Sunburn Index is very high, so residents should apply sunscreen. Pietermaritzburg, the capital, may experience cooler conditions in the southwest.
Weather Warnings
SAWS has issued yellow level 2 warnings for damaging waves from Saldanha Bay to East London. Additionally, strong winds are expected in parts of Kouga and Nelson Mandela Bay municipalities. Fortunately, no fire danger warnings have been issued.
South Africans are encouraged to stay warm and remain cautious as the cold front moves through the country.