Here’s the weather forecast for Election Day 2026

Voters heading to the 2026 Local Government Elections should prepare for hot conditions and possible thunderstorms during the special voting period, before cooler weather moves into parts of the eastern regions on Election Day.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that spring weather conditions are likely to vary across the country during the voting period.

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Approved special votes will take place on Monday and Tuesday, 2 and 3 November, ahead of the main Election Day on Wednesday, 4 November.

SAWS said the seasonal outlook, influenced by a developing El Niño weather pattern, points to below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures in parts of the country.

However, showers and thundershowers remain possible in several areas.

Hot conditions and thunderstorms expected

On Sunday, 1 November, much of South Africa is expected to experience partly cloudy and warm to hot weather.

Very hot conditions are forecast in parts of 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 in parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

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Similar conditions are expected during the two special voting days, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers possible across several regions.

SAWS has encouraged voters to plan their journeys carefully, particularly in areas where afternoon thunderstorms are forecast.

What to expect on Election Day

Conditions are expected to differ between the country’s central and western regions and the east on Wednesday, 4 November.

Fine and warm to very hot weather is forecast over the central and western parts of South Africa.

Meanwhile, parts of the east are expected to be partly cloudy and cool, with possible morning drizzle along the eastern Drakensberg.

Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers are also expected in eastern parts of the country.

SAWS issues advice to voters

The weather service has urged voters, election officials and members of the public to take the forecast into account when making their plans.

Its recommendations include:

• Staying hydrated and taking precautions against heat exposure, especially in areas expecting very hot conditions
• Carrying an umbrella or raincoat where showers and thundershowers are forecast
• Allowing extra travel time and exercising caution on wet roads, particularly when visibility is reduced
• Monitoring official SAWS forecasts, warnings and advisories for updates

SAWS said it would continue monitoring weather conditions throughout the voting period and issue severe weather warnings and advisories when necessary.

Voters are encouraged to follow the weather service’s official communication platforms for the latest updates.