Today’s Weather: Warning for Severe Thunderstorms, damp coastal south with partly cloudy interior – 16 September

South Africa sees a mix of conditions today, with the coastal provinces bearing the brunt of the wet weather as Cape Town shivers through slight rain and cool highs of just 17C, while Durban stays warmer at 27C despite its own light showers, and Gqeberha faces rain showers with a chilly top of 16C. Inland, it’s a far brighter picture with partly cloudy skies stretching across Gauteng, the Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and beyond, where Polokwane leads the warmth at a pleasant 31C. Do keep an eye out, though, as the South African Weather Service has issued minor warnings for severe thunderstorms and damaging winds in parts of the country, so take care if you’re out and about later in the day.

Your province's forecast for the week

🎬 7-Day Weather Forecast Video

⚠️ Weather Warnings

Severe Thunderstorms (Warning Level 2), valid until 23:59 on 18 September.
Areas: Rustenburg.

• Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock.
• Localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.
• Failing trees blocking minor roads.
• Minor vehicle accidents.
• Large amounts of small hail over an open area.
• Localised fire incidents.

If possible stay indoors away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are a good conductor of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours can accompany the storms.

Damaging Winds (Warning Level 2), valid until 23:59 on 18 September.
Areas: Grabouw, Garies, Springbok, Worcester, Prince Albert, Paarl, Redelinghuys, Swellendam, Ceres, Hermanus, Robertson.

• Localised damage to settlements (formal and informal) and temporary structures.
• Some transport routes and travel services will be affected by wind while some journeys may require longer travel times.
• Localised problems for high-sided vehicles on prone routes due to cross winds on exposed high-level roads

Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

Moon Phase

🌒 Moon phase: Waxing Crescent: a slim sliver of the Moon is lighting up as it grows towards full – traditionally a time for setting intentions.

The Moon is about 19% illuminated tonight, on day 4.3 of its 29.5-day cycle. It rises at 09:22 and sets at 00:16 (SAST). Next full moon: Saturday 26 September · next new moon: Sunday 11 October.

Weather by Province

From the Weather Community

Forecast data: South African Weather Service (weathersa.co.za). Tide times: tide-forecast.com; sea state and modelled tides for Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, East London, Port Nolloth: Open-Meteo Marine (those heights are relative to mean sea level).