SAWS warns of scorching heat and thunderstorms as South Africans head to the polls

Voters have been urged to prepare for hot weather, rain and possible thunderstorms as South Africans head to the polls for the 2026 Local Government Electio

South Africans heading to the polls for the 2026 Local Government Elections have been warned to prepare for scorching temperatures, scattered thunderstorms and possible travel disruptions, with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasting changing weather conditions during special voting and on election day.

Millions of eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots on Wednesday, November 4, while special voting will take place on Monday and Tuesday, November 2 and 3.

In a weather outlook released on Friday, October 30, SAWS said warm to very hot conditions would affect several parts of the country, while afternoon showers and thunderstorms could complicate travel to voting stations.

The weather service urged voters and election officials to plan their journeys carefully, particularly in areas where thunderstorms and high temperatures are expected.

According to SAWS, partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions are expected across much of South Africa on Sunday, November 1, ahead of the special voting period.

Very hot conditions are forecast in parts of the Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga.

Isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected across most parts of the country, while scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast over parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

Similar conditions are expected to continue into Monday and Tuesday, when special voting takes place.

"Similar weather conditions are expected to persist on Monday and Tuesday, 2 to 3 November 2026, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers possible over several parts of the country," SAWS said.

The weather service urged voters to take the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms into account when planning their trips to voting stations.

On Wednesday, November 4, when South Africans head to the polls for the official election day, contrasting weather conditions are expected across the country.

SAWS forecast fine and warm to very hot conditions over central and western South Africa, while eastern parts of the country are expected to experience partly cloudy and cooler conditions.

Morning drizzle is also possible along the eastern Drakensberg, with isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms expected over eastern parts of the country.

"On official election day, Wednesday, 4 November 2026, fine and warm to very hot conditions are expected over the central and western parts of the country," SAWS said.

The weather service added that "partly cloudy and cool conditions are expected in places over the eastern parts, with morning drizzle possible along the eastern Drakensberg."

The forecast raises concerns about difficult travelling conditions in areas affected by rain, particularly for voters who may need to travel longer distances to reach polling stations.

SAWS has advised voters, election officials and members of the public to remain alert to changing weather conditions throughout the voting period.

The weather service encouraged people in areas experiencing very hot conditions to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat exposure.

Those travelling in areas where thunderstorms are forecast have been advised to carry umbrellas or raincoats and allow additional time for their journeys.

"Allow sufficient time for travel and exercise caution on wet roads, especially during periods of reduced visibility," SAWS advised.

Voters have also been encouraged to monitor official weather forecasts and warnings before travelling.

SAWS said South Africa's spring weather remained unpredictable, with conditions capable of changing from day to day.

The developing El Niño weather pattern is expected to influence seasonal conditions, with parts of the country likely to experience below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures.

However, the weather service cautioned that showers and thunderstorms could still occur in some areas.

"The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor weather developments throughout the voting period and will issue severe weather warnings and advisories when necessary," SAWS said.

The weather service urged members of the public to follow its official communication platforms for updated forecasts as the country prepares for the November 4 elections.