Key action: prepare for reduced visibility in the early hours where fog is likely, expect breezy coastal conditions and carry sun protection for the afternoon where the UVB index will be high.
Nationwide summary for 23 August 2026
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts generally cool to warm conditions as winter eases. Morning fog patches are likely in parts of the Western Cape — especially the south‑west and some southern areas — and over the western interior of KwaZulu‑Natal. Coastal areas can expect moderate to fresh south‑easterly winds in places, with varying strength along the south coast.
Temperatures will be mostly fine and warm across the Highveld provinces, while coastal regions remain cool to warm. Several provinces are likely to record a high UVB sunburn risk during the midday and afternoon hours, so sun protection is recommended.
What this means for you
- Drivers: allow extra time and reduce speed during morning commutes where fog is reported; use dipped headlights and keep a safe following distance.
- Coastal residents and small craft operators: expect moderate to fresh south‑easterly winds; secure outdoor items and check local marine forecasts before heading out to sea.
- Everyone: apply broad‑spectrum sunscreen, wear a hat and protective clothing in areas with a high UVB index.
Provincial outlook at a glance
| Province | Expected conditions | UVB |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Fine and warm | High |
| Mpumalanga | Fine, cool to warm; Lowveld becomes partly cloudy in the afternoon | Not specified |
| Limpopo | Fine and warm; Lowveld partly cloudy later | Not specified |
| North West | Fine and warm | Not specified |
| Free State | Fine, cool to warm | Not specified |
| Northern Cape | Fine, cool to warm; coastal wind moderate to fresh south‑easterly | Not specified |
| Western Cape | Morning fog patches in the south‑west and parts of the south; otherwise fine and cool to warm; coastal winds moderate to fresh south‑easterly | High |
| Eastern Cape (western half) | Cloudy with initial fog patches in the north‑east, then generally fine and cool; coastal wind moderate south‑westerly becoming lighter | Not specified |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Morning fog patches over the western interior; otherwise fine and cool to warm, turning partly cloudy in the north‑east later. Coastal wind fresh to southerly/south‑westerly, becoming moderate south‑easterly in the south | High |
Practical safety points
Fog reduces visibility quickly and may persist for several hours; if you encounter fog:
- slow down and keep headlights on dipped beam;
- do not stop on the road — if you must stop, move well off the carriageway and switch on hazard lights;
- allow additional travel time for morning journeys.
Where coastal winds are forecast to be moderate to fresh, secure loose items outdoors and take caution when walking near exposed shorelines. Small boats and swimmers should heed local marine advisories.
On sunny afternoons in areas with a high UVB index, skin can burn quickly even if air temperatures feel cool. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30, wear a hat and long‑sleeved clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
The SA Weather Service provides updates and more detailed regional warnings; consult the latest SAWS forecast before travelling or planning outdoor activities.
Forecast issued for Sunday 23 August 2026 by the South African Weather Service.
