WEATHER: 36°C heatwave gives way to weekend rain in Gauteng

After experiencing its second heatwave of the 2026/27 summer season, Gauteng residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief, with temperatures expected to drop this weekend as rain makes a return to the province.

The heatwave follows recent severe weather that brought heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and localised flooding to parts of Gauteng last week.

Over the past three days, temperatures have climbed as high as 36°C, with Wednesday to Friday bringing little to no rainfall.

According to Gauteng Weather, Pretoria recorded a high of 36°C on Thursday, while Johannesburg reached 34°C.

On Friday, the capital is expected to reach a maximum of 35°C, following a minimum of 21°C, with no rain forecast. Johannesburg is also expected to experience similar weather conditions as the heatwave comes to an end.

Gauteng residents can expect rain this weekend

Although temperatures will remain relatively high in Pretoria on Saturday, afternoon showers are expected to bring some relief after three days of intense heat.

By Sunday, temperatures in the capital are expected to drop to a maximum of 28°C, with showers forecast for most of the day.

In Johannesburg, thundershowers are expected on Sunday afternoon, with temperatures dropping to a maximum of 26°C.

Looking ahead to next week, no rain is currently predicted for Gauteng, but temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-to-high 20s, offering residents some relief from the recent heatwave.

In Limpopo, rain is expected on Sunday; however, no rainfall is predicted in the North West province with temperatures reaching 33°C.