Winter loosens grip as Gauteng heads for a week of much warmer temperatures

Gauteng’s long cold snap appears to be ending as forecasts point to a marked warming this week, offering residents a break from freezing fronts, severe thunderstorms and even spotty snow earlier in the season.

Sharp turn from cold to warm

Regional forecaster Gauteng Weather announced a shift toward higher daytime temperatures in a social media post, saying:

“Breaking: significant warming in Gauteng from Tuesday, with highest ‘post-winter’ daytime temperatures expected. Pretoria set to peak at 28°c this week.”

Local forecasts published alongside the social post give more detail for the province’s main cities. Johannesburg is expected to start at a minimum of 7°C on Thursday and rise to a maximum of 27°C. Pretoria is forecast to begin at a minimum of 13°C on Thursday and reach a high of 29°C.

What the rest of the country can expect

According to the report, much of South Africa was expected to see fine and cool weather on Monday, 17 August, while warmer conditions were forecast in parts of Limpopo, the North West, the Western Cape and KwaZulu‑Natal.

The South African Weather Service (Saws) had issued no impact‑based warnings, fire danger warnings or advisories for Monday. Frost was expected in Mpumalanga’s highveld and the Free State, and fog could affect parts of the Northern and Eastern Cape. The Western Cape might see drizzle over the peninsula.

Sun, UV risk and precautions

The report noted a very high UVB sunburn index for KwaZulu‑Natal and the Western Cape and advised residents to take necessary precautions against prolonged sun exposure.