The weather across South Africa on Saturday, 23 August 2025, brings a mix of extreme heat inland, stormy seas along the coast, and dangerous fire conditions across several provinces.
Pretoria and Mbombela will see soaring maximums of 30°C and 35°C respectively, while Cape Town braces for rain and cooler conditions. Multiple Yellow Level warnings have been issued for damaging waves, strong winds, and dangerous fire weather, demanding vigilance across large parts of the country.
Weather warnings issued for Saturday, 23 August 2025
- Yellow Level 2 Warning – Damaging Waves
- Large, hazardous waves are expected between Lamberts Bay and Port Alfred, spreading northwards to Alexander Bay by evening and persisting into Sunday.
- This could damage harbours, coastal roads, and beachfront infrastructure. Small boats, swimmers, and coastal residents are advised to exercise extreme caution.
- A Yellow Level 2 alert indicates disruptive impacts that can endanger property and life in affected areas.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning – Damaging Winds (Coastal)
- Strong winds between Table Bay and Port Alfred will cause dangerous sea navigation conditions.
- Fishermen, sailors, and small vessel operators should avoid venturing out, as high waves and strong gusts may result in capsizing or loss of control.
- Yellow Level 1 Warning – Damaging Interior Winds
- Strong interior winds are forecast over the eastern Free State, affecting towns such as Bloemfontein and surrounding areas.
- Risks include localised damage to both formal and informal housing, and dangers for high-sided vehicles on elevated and exposed roads, where crosswinds may pose a hazard.
- A Yellow Level 1 alert means minor but widespread disruptions are possible.
- Extremely High Fire Danger Conditions
- Fire danger is at critical levels in multiple provinces:
- Northern Cape & Free State – north-eastern parts.
- North West & Gauteng – including Mahikeng and Johannesburg.
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga – with Polokwane and Mbombela at risk.
- KwaZulu-Natal – especially the northern regions near Richards Bay.
- Fires can ignite easily, spread uncontrollably, and become very difficult to extinguish.
- Fire danger is at critical levels in multiple provinces:
Regional highlights
- Gauteng: Pretoria 30°C, Johannesburg 29°C – fine, hot.
- Mpumalanga & Limpopo: Mbombela 35°C, Polokwane 30°C – extremely hot.
- North West & Free State: Mahikeng 27°C, Bloemfontein 20°C – windy.
- Northern Cape: Kimberley 20°C, Upington 19°C – windy and cooler.
- Western Cape: Cape Town 15°C, George 18°C – cloudy with showers.
- Eastern Cape: Gqeberha 20°C, East London 22°C – windy, partly cloudy with evening rain.
- KwaZulu-Natal: Durban 22°C, Richards Bay 28°C – fine with isolated showers.
- Pietermaritzburg: 27°C – morning fog, otherwise fine.
August continues to demonstrate its dual nature: hot and fire-prone inland while coastal regions face stormy seas and cold fronts. The combination of heat, wind, and fire weather inland, together with damaging waves along the west and south coasts, makes this a high-risk day across South Africa.