The weather across South Africa on Friday, 22 August 2025, will be dominated by fine and hot conditions in the northern and central regions, with Pretoria reaching 29°C and Mbombela climbing to a scorching 30°C.
However, weather warnings have been issued for both dangerous fire conditions inland and damaging waves along the coastline. Cooler, wetter conditions will prevail in the Western Cape, while KwaZulu-Natal will see showers later in the day.
Weather warnings issued for Friday, 22 August 2025
- Yellow Level 2 Warning – Damaging Waves
- Large waves are expected along the coastline from Lamberts Bay to Plettenberg Bay, with conditions spreading northwards to Alexander Bay by Saturday evening and persisting into Sunday.
- This could cause damage to coastal infrastructure such as small harbours, seaside roads, and beachfront properties. Swimmers, small boats, and personal watercraft face significant risks.
- A Yellow Level 2 alert means disruptive but not yet life-threatening impacts are possible, and residents should exercise caution.
- Extremely High Fire Danger Conditions
- Widespread fire danger is forecast for:
- Northern Cape – especially the extreme north-eastern parts, including areas near Kuruman.
- North West – including regions near Mahikeng and Vryburg.
- Free State – central and north-eastern parts, affecting areas around Bloemfontein.
- Eastern Cape – particularly the north-eastern districts.
- KwaZulu-Natal – northern regions, including Richards Bay.
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga – fire-prone conditions in parts of both provinces, including Polokwaneand Mbombela.
- This means fires could start easily, spread rapidly, and be extremely difficult to control. Residents are urged to avoid open flames and take extreme caution with outdoor activities.
- Widespread fire danger is forecast for:
Regional highlights:
- Gauteng: Pretoria 29°C, Johannesburg 28°C – fine and hot.
- Mpumalanga & Limpopo: Mbombela 30°C, Polokwane 29°C – very warm.
- North West & Free State: Mahikeng 29°C, Bloemfontein 23°C.
- Northern Cape: Kimberley 24°C, Upington 23°C – fine.
- Western Cape: Cape Town 16°C and George 19°C – partly cloudy with showers.
- Eastern Cape: Gqeberha 20°C, East London 22°C – cloudy with showers and strong winds.
- KwaZulu-Natal: Durban 22°C, Richards Bay 26°C – isolated showers and thundershowers.
- Pietermaritzburg: 25°C – morning fog, partly cloudy evening.
The persistence of above-average inland temperatures, coupled with dry and windy conditions, continues to drive repeated fire danger alerts. The coast, meanwhile, is under strain from successive storm-driven waves and showers.