The South African weather summer forecast shows that much of the country can expect hotter-than-usual conditions and heavier rainfall in the months ahead.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) released its seasonal outlook on 30 September 2025, warning that these shifts could increase health risks and even cause natural disasters such as flooding.
According to SAWS, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate pattern that influences global temperatures and rainfall, is currently neutral but cooling rapidly.
This cooling could lead to a weak La Niña event within the next month. In simple terms, El Niño and La Niña are opposite weather phases that affect how much rain falls in certain parts of the world.
For South Africa, a possible La Niña means more rain is expected in the summer rainfall areas, especially in the northeast .
The forecast suggests that provinces such as North West, parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Eastern Cape will likely see above-normal rainfall.
This will help refill water reservoirs but may also increase the chance of floods.
SAWS urged municipalities and residents to prepare by improving drainage systems to prevent water from pooling and causing damage.
Officials warned that without these precautions, floods could lead to drownings, injuries, and illnesses like hypothermia.
However, not all areas will receive extra rain. Predictions show that Mpumalanga and Limpopo could get less than usual rainfall, worsening existing drought conditions.
Farmers in these regions are advised to adopt water-saving methods, harvest and store water efficiently, and use proper soil management techniques to protect crops and livestock.
Along with changes in rainfall, temperatures across South Africa are also expected to rise above normal averages.
Both daytime highs (maximums) and nighttime lows (minimums) will be hotter in most regions.
The only exceptions will be in parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape’s southwestern coastal belt, which may be slightly cooler than normal.
Higher temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and dehydration, and can also speed up the spread of bacteria in food, raising the chances of foodborne diseases.
SAWS reminded the public that climate change is contributing to warming trends worldwide. The agency called on South Africans to take proactive measures: stay out of flood-prone areas when drainage is poor, stay hydrated during hot days, and seek shade or shelter when temperatures rise.