The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released its weather outlook for the special voting days on Monday and Tuesday, 2 to 3 November 2026, and the local election day on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. SAWS said spring weather can change from day to day. It added that the seasonal forecast, influenced by the developing El Niño weather pattern, indicates parts of the country are likely to receive below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures, although showers and thundershowers may still occur in some areas.
On Sunday, 1 November, SAWS expects partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions across much of the country, with very hot conditions in places over the Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers are expected over most parts of the country, while scattered showers and thundershowers are forecast over parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. SAWS said similar conditions are expected to persist on the special voting days, and encouraged voters to plan their journeys accordingly, particularly where afternoon thunderstorms are expected.
On election day, SAWS expects fine and warm to very hot conditions over the central and western parts of the country. Partly cloudy and cool conditions are expected in places over the eastern parts, with morning drizzle possible along the eastern Drakensberg and isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers over the east.
SAWS advised the public to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat exposure, carry umbrellas or raincoats where showers are expected, allow enough time for travel and take care on wet roads. The weather service said it will continue to monitor conditions throughout the voting period and will issue severe weather warnings and advisories when necessary.
Information in this article comes from a media release issued by the South African Weather Service. Read the original release and others on the SAWS media page.
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