Bloemfontein is hot today and tomorrow, with highs of 35C and showers and thundershowers both days. Bethlehem reaches 32C with storms on both days, while Kroonstad hits 35C with thundershowers today before turning partly cloudy tomorrow. Monday brings relief: Bloemfontein drops to 23C with more showers and thundershowers, and Bethlehem and Kroonstad both cool to 27C under partly cloudy skies.
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After that the province dries out and warms steadily. Tuesday has a crisp 8C morning in Bloemfontein and a high of 26C, rising to 28C on Wednesday and 30C on Thursday under partly cloudy skies. Friday brings high-level cloud. Veld fire warnings are in place around Hoopstad, Fauresmith and Bloemfontein Airport, so please avoid open fires and burning rubbish.
Warnings and Advisories for Free State
Red level 10Veld Fire ConditionsTswelopele / Tikwana/Hoopstad, Mohokare / Maletswai / Aliwal North, Mangaung / Bloemfontein Airport + 3 more · from 08:00 on Saturday 17 October, valid until 19:59 on 17 October▼
Areas
Tswelopele / Tikwana/Hoopstad
Mohokare / Maletswai / Aliwal North
Mangaung / Bloemfontein Airport
Kopanong / Fauresmith
Masilonyana / Winnie Mandela / Brandfort
Mangaung – Wepener / Wepener
Expected impacts
Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.
What to do ▼
All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called for without delay.
AdvisoryHeat AdvisoryEnoch Magijima – Molteno / Molteno, Emalahleni / Cacadu / Lady Frere · valid until 23:59 on 17 October▼
Areas
Enoch Magijima – Molteno / Molteno
Emalahleni / Cacadu / Lady Frere
Expected impacts
High discomfort
Heat exhaustion
Dehydration.
Heat related illnesses
What to do: Drink lots of liquids and stay in shaded/cool areas with lots of ventilation.
Avoid strenuous activities.
Avoid exposure during the hottest time of the day.
Do not keep elderly and children inside the cars.
Seek help if you feel dizzy, weak, having intense thirst and headaches.
The 7-day forecast for Bloemfontein comes first, then 2 more towns across Free State.
The South African Weather Service issues impact-based warnings. They say what the weather could do to people, roads and homes, not only how strong it will be. Each warning has a colour and a level from 1 to 10.
Yellow (Levels 1 to 4): minor to moderate impact. Local disruption such as flooded streets, travel delays or damage to informal homes. Stay alert.
Orange (Levels 5 to 8): significant impact. Major travel problems, power cuts, flooding in low-lying areas and damage to property are likely. Prepare and take action.
Red (Levels 9 and 10): severe impact. Widespread flooding, washed-away roads, damaged buildings and danger to life. Take emergency precautions at once.
The number also reflects how likely the impact is, so two warnings of the same colour can differ in how likely they are to happen. Always follow SAWS and your local disaster management.
Forecast data: South African Weather Service (weathersa.co.za) and various 3rd party providers and AI Tools.
