The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has urged South Africans to prepare for changing weather conditions during the special voting days and the 2026 Local Government Election Day next week.
Special voting will take place on Monday, 2 November, and Tuesday, 3 November, while the official election will be held on Wednesday, 4 November.
SAWS said South Africa is currently in the spring season, when weather conditions can change rapidly from one day to the next. The seasonal forecast, influenced by a developing El Niño weather pattern, indicates that many parts of the country are likely to receive below-normal rainfall while experiencing above-normal temperatures. However, isolated showers and thunderstorms remain possible in several regions.
According to the weather service, Sunday, 1 November, will be partly cloudy and warm to hot across much of the country. Very hot conditions are expected in parts of the Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. Isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms are forecast for most provinces, while scattered showers are expected over parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Similar weather conditions are expected during the two special voting days on Monday and Tuesday. SAWS has advised voters to plan their journeys carefully, especially in areas where afternoon thunderstorms are expected.
On election day, Wednesday, 4 November, fine, warm to very hot weather is forecast for the central and western parts of South Africa. In contrast, cooler and partly cloudy conditions are expected in the eastern regions, with morning drizzle possible along the eastern Drakensberg. Isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms are also expected over the eastern parts of the country.
SAWS has encouraged voters, election officials and the public to take precautions while travelling to and from voting stations.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat in areas expecting very hot temperatures. Those in regions where rain is forecast should carry umbrellas or raincoats, allow extra travelling time and exercise caution on wet roads, particularly where visibility may be reduced.
The weather service also encouraged the public to monitor official SAWS weather forecasts, warnings and advisories throughout the election period, saying severe weather alerts will be issued if necessary.
The Electoral Commission has urged all registered voters to make use of the special voting days if eligible, or to cast their ballots on Wednesday despite changing weather conditions.
SAWS said it will continue monitoring weather developments throughout the voting period and provide updates through its official communication platforms.
