Last updated: Friday 16 October 2026, 12:02 SAST – the warnings and advisories below were refreshed after SAWS issued a new high-level alert.
Updated Friday 16 October 2026, 05:31 SAST
ADVERTISEMENT
Mbombela has clear skies today with a high of 32C, and tomorrow is the hottest day, reaching 35C after a mild 19C start. Sunday stays mostly clear at 32C. Rain showers arrive on Monday, and Tuesday brings slight rain and a cooler 26C. Wednesday warms right back up to 35C under partly cloudy skies, and Thursday shows high-level cloud.
Elsewhere, Emalahleni can expect highs of 30C to 31C with thunderstorms on one day, while Ermelo peaks at 34C alongside thunderstorms. SAWS has weather advisories in place for Standerton, Skukuza, Piet Retief and Barberton, so check the latest updates before travelling. With highs in the 30s on most of the next seven days, carry plenty of water and plan outdoor work for the cooler early hours.
Warnings and Advisories for Mpumalanga
Red level 10Veld Fire ConditionsNkomazi / Skukuza, eMkhondo / eMkhondo / Piet Retief, Mbombela / Mbombela / Nelspruit · from 10:00 on Saturday 17 October, valid until 18:59 on 17 October▼
Areas
Nkomazi / Skukuza
eMkhondo / eMkhondo / Piet Retief
Mbombela / Mbombela / Nelspruit
Expected impacts
Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75 in identified areas. 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 ▼
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 AdvisoryLekwa / Standerton, Nkomazi / Skukuza, eMkhondo / eMkhondo / Piet Retief + 9 more · from 12:00 on Friday 16 October, valid until 22:59 on 16 October▼
Areas
Lekwa / Standerton
Nkomazi / Skukuza
eMkhondo / eMkhondo / Piet Retief
Mbombela – Barberton / Barberton
Mbombela / Mbombela / Nelspruit
Msukaligwa / Ermelo
Pixley Ka Seme / Amersfoort
Emalahleni / Emalahleni/Witbank
Govan Mbeki / Secunda
Albert Luthuli / Carolina
Steve Tshwete / Middelburg
Emakhazeni / Machadodorp
Expected impacts
Persistently high temperatures affect the humans ability to cool their bodies through sweating. This can be a real threat that leads to heat related illness such as hyperthermia, heat stroke and respiratory conditions.
In an extremely hot environment, the serious health and safety concern is heat stroke.
What to do: – stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day, wear appropriate clothing, and keep an eye on vulnerable Individuals.
1 itemFire Danger WarningsExtremely high fire danger conditions are expected over most parts of the Northern Cape, eastern parts of the Western…▼
Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over most parts of the Northern Cape, eastern parts of the Western Cape, in places over the western and central parts of the Eastern Cape, western parts of the Free State, in places over the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, south-eastern parts of Mpumalanga as well as the northern and western parts of Limpopo.
1 itemAdvisoriesA heat wave with persistently high temperatures is expected in places over the Chris Hani, O.R Tambo and Alfred Nzo…▼
A heat wave with persistently high temperatures is expected in places over the Chris Hani, O.R Tambo and Alfred Nzo District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape until Saturday, and in places over the northern parts of KwaZulu Natal until Sunday, as well as in places over Mpumalanga, except along the Escarpment until Monday.
The 7-day forecast for Mbombela comes first, then 2 more towns across Mpumalanga.
SAWS outlook: Fine and warm to hot, becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon over Highveld with isolated thundershowers over the extreme south-western parts. It will be very hot in places in the Lowveld.
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.
