Braais or umbrellas? Gauteng set for warm weekend with late-day showers

Gauteng weekend forecast: warm days and evening showers

As the weekend approaches, residents of Gauteng face a mix of sun, heat, and the possibility of late-day rain. According to the South African Weather Service (Saws), Pretoria and Johannesburg will enjoy warm, partly cloudy days, but evening showers and thundershowers may dampen outdoor plans.

Whether you’re planning a braai or considering an umbrella, here’s what you need to know.

Pretoria: hot afternoons, evening storms

Saturday in Pretoria will begin mild, with early morning temperatures hovering around 22°C and humidity levels between 60% and 75%. By the afternoon, the mercury is expected to climb sharply, reaching 31°C under mostly clear skies. Winds will remain light, shifting from north-easterly to south-westerly.

Evening plans, however, may need to adapt. Showers and thundershowers are forecast from 8pm, with temperatures cooling to 26°C and humidity rising slightly. Overall, Saturday’s weather is expected to range between 18°C and 32°C, with a 30% chance of rain and about 3mm of rainfall.

Sunday will see similar conditions, with morning temperatures around 23°C and a high of 33°C. Again, there’s a 30% chance of rain, primarily later in the day, providing a mix of sun and potential showers.

Johannesburg: partly cloudy with late-day rain

In Johannesburg, Saturday will start partly cloudy, with temperatures climbing from 20°C at 2am to 30°C by mid-afternoon. Humidity will drop to about 35% as skies clear, but instability is expected later in the day. Evening showers and thundershowers are forecast from 8pm, with temperatures cooling to 25°C.

Saturday’s overall temperatures will range between 17°C and 30°C, with rainfall around 3mm and a 30% probability of precipitation. Sunday follows a similar pattern: partly cloudy mornings, temperatures starting around 22°C, with evening showers expected. The city can expect highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C, keeping the 30% chance of rain consistent.

What this means for your weekend

With warm afternoons and evening thundershowers, Gauteng residents are advised to plan outdoor activities around the potential rain. Early mornings and afternoons are ideal for braais, picnics, or sporting activities, while umbrellas or covered spaces may be necessary later in the evening.

Social media reactions from Gauteng locals show mixed excitement and concern: many are eager to enjoy the sun, while others are already plotting rainproof alternatives for weekend plans.

As Saws notes, temperatures are comfortably high, but the combination of humidity and rain means that late-day storms could pop up unexpectedly, particularly on Saturday night and into Sunday.

Whether you’re out and about in Pretoria or Johannesburg, a little planning will ensure your weekend is enjoyable rain or shine.