Pretoria:Voters heading to the polls for the 2026 Local Government Elections can expect heat and possible thunderstorms during the special voting period, followed by cooler conditions in parts of the east on Election Day, According to South African Weather Service (SAWS).
According to South African Government News Agency, approved special votes will be cast on 2 and 3 November 2026, ahead of Election Day on 4 November 2026. SAWS noted that spring weather conditions can vary from day to day. The seasonal forecast, influenced by the developing El Niño weather pattern, indicates that parts of the country are likely to receive below-normal rainfall and experience above-normal temperatures. However, showers and thundershowers may still occur in some areas.
On Sunday, 1 November 2026, much of the country is expected to be partly cloudy and warm to hot. Very hot conditions are expected in places across the Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo, and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers are anticipated over most parts of the country, with scattered showers and thundershowers forecast over parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.
Similar weather conditions are expected on the special voting days, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers possible over several parts of the country. Voters are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly, particularly in areas where afternoon thunderstorms are expected.
On the official election day, fine and warm to very hot conditions are predicted over the central and western parts of the country, while 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 the east.
SAWS advises voters, election officials, and the public to consider the forecast when planning their activities. Members of the public are encouraged to stay hydrated, take precautions against heat exposure, carry umbrellas or raincoats where necessary, allow sufficient time for travel, exercise caution on wet roads, and monitor SAWS weather forecasts for updates. SAWS will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the voting period and issue severe weather warnings and advisories when necessary. Members of the public are encouraged to follow official SAWS communication platforms for the latest weather updates.