Immediate action: avoid open fires and outdoor burning, secure flammable materials, and limit prolonged sun exposure where the UVB index is high. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast generally fine and warm conditions for 19–20 August 2026, but warned of extremely high fire danger in several areas and isolated rain for parts of the east coast.
What to expect
SAWS said most of the country will experience fine and warm-to-cool conditions on Wednesday and Thursday (19–20 August). Along the east coast and adjacent interior there will be partly cloudy skies, with isolated rain and showers possible in KwaZulu‑Natal and Mpumalanga. Most interior regions should see dry, warm weather.
"Fine & warm-to-cool conditions are expected, but it will be partly cloudy along the east coast & the adjacent interior of the RSA, with isolated rain & showers possible in KZN & Mpumalanga." — SA Weather Service
Fire danger warning — where to be cautious
The weather service highlighted extremely high fire danger for specific local municipalities in the Eastern Cape, the Northern Cape, and parts of the Free State and North West. The municipalities named by SAWS are:
- Walter Sisulu Local Municipality
- Senqu Local Municipality
- Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality
- Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality
- Emalahleni Local Municipality
Residents and landowners in these areas should be especially vigilant. Strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation can cause fires to spread rapidly.
Practical safety advice
To reduce risk and protect property, SAWS guidance and standard safety practices include:
- Do not light or leave open flames outdoors. Avoid veld, grass and rubbish burning until the risk subsides.
- Keep a safe distance between structures and dry vegetation; clear gutters and remove combustible debris.
- Have water sources, hoses or firefighting equipment ready where possible; plan evacuation routes and assembly points.
- People with respiratory illness should limit outdoor activity during fires; those with pets should prepare to move animals if needed.
- Take precautions against sun exposure where the UVB index is high: wear a hat, use sunscreen and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Provincial snapshot
| Province | Forecast highlights (19 Aug 2026) |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | Fine and warm; UVB sunburn index: high |
| Mpumalanga | Morning fog and drizzle along the escarpment; otherwise partly cloudy and warm in places |
| Limpopo | Cloudy in the east with morning fog on the escarpment; generally fine and warm elsewhere |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Partly cloudy along the coast; isolated showers possible |
| Free State | Fine and cool to warm; extremely high fire danger in some western areas |
| Northern Cape | Fine and cool to warm; extremely high fire danger in specified areas |
| Western Cape | Partly cloudy in the south, otherwise fine and cool; UVB index: very high in some areas |
| Eastern Cape | Western half fine and warm to hot; cool along the coast; extremely high fire danger in named municipalities |
| North West | Fine and warm; some western parts under elevated fire risk |
Health and travel tips: if you plan to be outdoors in Gauteng or the Western Cape, cover up and use sunscreen — UVB is expected to be high to very high in these regions. Motorists should be prepared for reduced visibility in morning fog along escarpments in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Farmers, emergency services and municipalities in the named high-risk areas should review fire prevention and response plans.
SAWS forecasts can change; consult the South African Weather Service for updates and follow local authorities for emergency instructions if a fire breaks out. For meteorological bulletins and alerts, visit the SAWS official channels and heed guidance from local disaster management centres and emergency services.
