Election days: What should SA voters prepare for?

South Africans heading to the polls next week could face a mix of hot temperatures, showers and thunderstorms as the country prepares for special voting and election day.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released a weather outlook for the special voting days on Monday, 2 November, and Tuesday, 3 November, as well as the official election day on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

According to SAWS, voters can expect changing weather conditions, with some areas experiencing very hot temperatures while others receive afternoon showers and thundershowers.

What weather can voters expect on Monday and Tuesday?

SAWS expects partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions across much of the country on Sunday, ahead of the special voting days.

Temperatures could climb to very hot levels in parts of the Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga.

Most parts of the country could experience isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers, while the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga could receive scattered showers and thundershowers.

Similar conditions are likely to continue on Monday and Tuesday, when special voting takes place.

SAWS expects isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers across several parts of the country.

The weather service has advised voters to plan their journeys carefully, particularly in areas where afternoon thunderstorms could affect travel.

What will the weather be like on election day?

On Wednesday, 4 November, SAWS expects fine and warm to very hot conditions across central and western South Africa.

Eastern parts of the country could experience partly cloudy and cool conditions, while morning drizzle may develop along the eastern Drakensberg.

Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers could also affect eastern parts of the country.

Voters in these areas may need to prepare for changing conditions throughout the day, particularly if they plan to visit polling stations in the afternoon.

How could El Niño influence the weather?

SAWS says the developing El Niño weather pattern is influencing the country’s seasonal outlook.

The seasonal forecast indicates that parts of South Africa could receive below-normal rainfall and experience above-normal temperatures.

However, this does not mean rain will disappear completely.

SAWS says showers and thundershowers could still develop in some areas, even as the seasonal outlook points towards drier and warmer conditions.

SAWS advises voters to prepare for heat and rain

The weather service has urged voters, election officials and members of the public to prepare for the expected conditions.

People heading to polling stations in very hot areas should drink enough water and take precautions against prolonged heat exposure.

Those living in areas expecting showers and thunderstorms should carry umbrellas or raincoats.

SAWS has also advised motorists to allow extra travel time and drive carefully on wet roads, particularly when rain reduces visibility.

SAWS says it will continue monitoring weather conditions throughout the voting period and issue severe weather warnings and advisories where necessary.

The weather service has encouraged the public to follow its official forecasts and warnings for the latest updates before travelling to polling stations.