TDPel - Media

Cold air sweeps across Gauteng as morning fog and high UV levels shape the weather in South Africa’s smallest but most populated province

Gauteng
Gauteng

If you’re standing in front of your wardrobe wondering whether to grab a scarf or sunglasses, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a simple rundown of today’s weather conditions across all nine provinces of South Africa, plus some fun facts about each region.


Gauteng Starts Off Foggy and Chilly

Weather outlook: Expect a fine but cold day, with some morning fog especially in the southern areas.

Things warm up just a bit in the far north.

UVB Index: High – Don’t skip the sunscreen!

Quick facts:

  • Gauteng may be South Africa’s smallest province by area, but it’s the most crowded, home to about 16 million people.

  • Its administrative capital is bustling Johannesburg.


Misty Mornings and Crisp Air in Mpumalanga

Weather outlook: Fog and some frost might greet you in the southwestern Highveld early in the day.

But things clear up to become cool to warm in most areas—though it stays cold in some parts of the Highveld.

Quick facts:

  • Mpumalanga is the second smallest province but has a solid population of 4.7 million.

  • The capital is Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), tucked away in the scenic east.


Limpopo Heats Up in the Lowveld

Weather outlook: Fine and mostly warm across the province, with pockets of heat expected in the Lowveld.

Quick facts:

  • Limpopo sits mid-range in both size and population, ranking fifth in each.

  • Polokwane is the capital city—and a major hub in the north.


North West Keeps Things Cool

Weather outlook: It’s a crisp and clear day across the North West—so maybe keep a jacket handy if you’re heading out early.

Quick facts:

  • The North West is the sixth largest province but ranks seventh in population.

  • The capital is Mahikeng, also known historically as Mafikeng.


Cold Mornings and Partly Cloudy Skies in the Free State

Weather outlook: A cold start with clear skies for most of the province, though the south could see a few clouds moving in later.

Quick facts:

  • The Free State is the third biggest by area but has the second smallest population.

  • Its capital, Bloemfontein, is also the judicial capital of the country.


Chilly and Breezy in the Northern Cape

Weather outlook: Fine and cool in the north, turning partly cloudy and very cold in other parts. Isolated showers are also possible.

Coastal wind: Moderate to fresh north-westerly breeze.

Quick facts:

  • The Northern Cape is the largest province in the country, but the least populated.

  • Kimberley is the provincial capital—and home to the famous Big Hole.


Rainy and Windy in the Western Cape

Weather outlook: It’s a cold, rainy day here with scattered to widespread showers in the west.

Coastal wind: Strong winds from the northwest to west.

UVB Index: Low – but still, don’t forget your umbrella!

Quick facts:

  • The Western Cape is the fourth biggest and third most populated province.

  • Cape Town, the capital, is a favorite for locals and tourists alike.


Snowflakes and Showers in the Eastern Cape

Weather outlook:

  • Western half: Cold and cloudy with scattered rain—and yes, snow is expected in the high-lying northern areas.

  • Eastern half: Partly cloudy and cold, with isolated showers toward the west.

Coastal wind: Light to moderate westerlies.

Quick facts:

  • It’s the second largest province by area, with about 6.7 million residents.

  • The capital is Bhisho, located in the eastern part of the province.


Foggy Starts and Clear Skies in KwaZulu-Natal

Weather outlook: Some morning fog in the northeast, but the rest of the province will enjoy fine and cool-to-cold conditions.

Coastal wind: Light to moderate northerly breezes.

UVB Index: High – Sunburn can sneak up on you, so be sun-smart.

Quick facts:

  • KwaZulu-Natal is seventh in size but second in population.

  • The capital city is Pietermaritzburg, known for its lush, green surroundings.


Weather Alerts You Should Know About

Impact-Based Warnings:

  • Yellow Level 4: Heavy rainfall could lead to flooding and dangerous road conditions in the western parts of the Western Cape.

  • Yellow Level 1: Snowfall may disrupt roads and endanger livestock in the northwest regions of the Eastern Cape.

  • Yellow Level 2: Damaging waves may cause trouble at sea from Cape Agulhas to East London.

Fire Danger Warnings: None for today.

Advisories:

  • Farmers and the public in parts of the Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape are advised to brace for very cold, wet, and windy weather.