School calendar: Weather outlook for the final day of term 3

South Africa’s schools close for the term on Wednesday, but the weather could make the final school run an important one to watch.

According to the Department of Basic Education’s 2026 school calendar, the country’s public schools reach the end of Term 3 on 23 September,

With unsettled spring conditions affecting parts of South Africa, parents, learners and motorists will want to know what to expect during the final school run and the journey home.

What the weather could mean for the school run

Showers and thundershowers could affect parts of the country, with unsettled conditions expected in the Free State, North West, Limpopo, Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

KwaZulu-Natal can also expect rain in places.

The forecast points to changeable conditions across these areas as the final school day of the term approaches.

Where thunderstorms develop, motorists should expect sudden heavy downpours, reduced visibility and difficult driving conditions.

Parents and motorists should watch conditions

The timing of storms will be particularly important on the final school day. A morning storm could affect the journey to school, while afternoon showers or thunderstorms could coincide with parents collecting children.

Conditions can vary significantly between provinces and even between nearby areas, so the latest SAWS forecast and warnings should be checked before travelling.

The holidays begin after Wednesday

For learners, Wednesday marks the end of the third term before the school holidays. The 2026 public-school calendar lists Term 3 as running from 21 July to 23 September, with Term 4 beginning on 6 October.

That also means the weather will matter beyond the school gates, as families begin making plans for the holiday period.