SAWS warning hits KZN as Cape Town braces for 3 rainy days

The South African Weather Service issued warnings for damaging waves along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, affecting Durban, Tugela Mouth, Mtunzini and Cape Vidal
Mahikeng recorded the country's widest temperature swing, from a cold 6°C at dawn to a warm peak of 28°C on Tuesday
Cape Town faces three consecutive days of slight rain, while Johannesburg and Polokwane enjoy mostly clear skies and highs of 27°C

South Africa wakes up to a mixed bag of conditions this Tuesday, 20 October 2026, with warm sunshine in some provinces and grey, wet skies in others. Here is a full breakdown of what to expect, province by province.

Gauteng

Johannesburg starts the week's midpoint under mostly clear skies with a high of 27°C and a low of 10°C. Winds blow from the south-south-east at 5 km/h. Nearby, Pretoria reaches 29°C, Soweto 27°C and Vereeniging 28°C. The week ahead looks warm, with temperatures climbing to 32°C by Thursday and Friday before a brief dip at the weekend.

Western Cape

Cape Town sees slight rain today, with a high of only 19°C and winds from the north-north-west at 15 km/h. The rain is expected to continue through Wednesday and Thursday before partly cloudy skies arrive on Friday. Stellenbosch reaches 21°C, Paarl 22°C and George 19°C.

Durban is partly cloudy with a high of 22°C and a low of 17°C. The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for damaging waves at Durban, Tugela Mouth, Mtunzini and Cape Vidal. Beachgoers are urged to stay cautious near the water. Richards Bay and Newcastle both reach 26°C, while Pietermaritzburg tops out at 20°C.

Eastern Cape

Gqeberha is overcast and cloudy today, reaching 21°C with winds from the east at 10 km/h. East London and Mthatha both hit 22°C, while Queenstown reaches 23°C with a low of just 4°C. Rain showers are expected to move in by Thursday.

Free State

Bloemfontein sits under an overcast sky with a high of 23°C and a low of 7°C. The week improves steadily, with temperatures climbing toward 32°C by Sunday. Bethlehem reaches 24°C and Kroonstad 27°C today.

Limpopo

Polokwane is partly cloudy with a high of 27°C, matching Johannesburg. The province heats up significantly later in the week, with Polokwane reaching 35°C by Thursday. Musina is the warmest spot in the province today at 29°C.

Mpumalanga

Mbombela sees slight rain today with a high of 21°C. The week ahead brings a sharp warming trend, with temperatures forecast to reach 37°C on Wednesday and Thursday. eMalahleni reaches 28°C today, while Ermelo tops out at 23°C.

North West

Mahikeng records the widest temperature swing in the country, from a morning low of 6°C to an afternoon high of 28°C. Rustenburg reaches 30°C, while Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp stay closer to 26°C and 27°C. Temperatures are expected to climb further, reaching 34°C by Friday.

Northern Cape

Kimberley is overcast with a high of 25°C and a low of 8°C. Upington and Springbok both reach 28°C and 27°C respectively. The province warms up noticeably toward the weekend, with Kimberley expected to hit 34°C by Sunday.

Read the report here.