The weather across South Africa on Thursday, 21 August 2025, will be largely fine and warm in the interior, with Pretoria and Johannesburg peaking at 28°C. Parts of Mpumalanga, particularly Mbombela, will experience hot conditions, climbing to 33°C.
However, extremely high fire danger conditions are forecast across multiple provinces, while coastal areas, including Cape Town, George, and Gqeberha, will see cooler, cloudy, and rainy conditions. A coastal wave advisory has also been issued for later in the week.
Weather warnings issued for Thursday, 21 August 2025
- Extremely high fire danger conditions – These areas face an increased risk of vegetation fires spreading rapidly:
- Northern Cape – extreme north-eastern parts, affecting towns such as Kuruman and surrounding areas.
- North West – western regions, including areas near Vryburg and Mahikeng.
- Free State – central and north-eastern regions, with towns like Bloemfontein at risk.
- Eastern Cape – central districts including parts of Graaff-Reinet and surrounding communities.
- KwaZulu-Natal – northern areas such as Richards Bay, where dry and windy conditions will elevate fire risk.
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga – southern Limpopo and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, where Polokwane and Mbombela could be affected.
- These warnings mean that fires could start easily, spread quickly, and become difficult to control. Residents are urged to avoid open flames, burning refuse, or leaving braais unattended.
- Yellow Level 2 Advisory – Damaging Waves (effective from Friday, 22 August 2025)
- Strong waves are expected to impact the coastline from Lamberts Bay to Plettenberg Bay on Friday night, extending to Alexander Bay by Saturday evening.
- These waves could damage small boats, coastal infrastructure, and pose risks to swimmers and surfers. The conditions are expected to persist into Sunday.
Regional highlights:
- Gauteng – Fine and hot; Pretoria and Johannesburg both 28°C.
- Mpumalanga & Limpopo – Mbombela 33°C (very hot inland), Polokwane 27°C.
- North West & Free State – Mahikeng 28°C, Vryburg 28°C, Bloemfontein 24°C.
- Northern Cape – Kimberley 25°C, Upington 25°C.
- Western Cape – Cape Town partly cloudy with light rain, 16°C; George 18°C.
- Eastern Cape – Gqeberha cloudy, windy at 20°C; East London 20°C.
- KwaZulu-Natal – Durban partly cloudy at 24°C; Richards Bay 25°C; Pietermaritzburg 25°C.
The seasonal forecast indicates a continuation of above-normal daytime temperatures for the northern interior through August. This, combined with persistent dry conditions, increases the frequency of fire danger alerts. Coastal regions will continue to experience isolated rain and wind-driven advisories.