What you should do now: take care when driving in fog, protect exposed skin from a high UVB sunburn risk, and avoid open flames or activities that could spark fires in areas under extremely high fire danger.
National outlook and hazards
The South African Weather Service has issued countrywide forecasts indicating pockets of fog and frost in some areas, a generally warm pattern across several provinces and a high to very high UVB sunburn risk in parts of the country. The agency also flagged an area with extremely high fire danger covering parts of the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and North West.
The Weather Service did not list any impact-based warnings, but it specifically named high fire-risk municipalities and described variations in cloud, fog and coastal winds for the nine provinces.
Where the fire risk is highest
The extremely high fire danger was reported for locations including the Walter Sisulu, Senqu, Inxuba Yethu, Enoch Mgijima and Emalahleni local municipalities in the Eastern Cape as well as areas in the Northern Cape and south-western parts of both the Free State and North West. Residents and visitors in and near these areas should be vigilant and follow local municipal and emergency-service guidance.
- Avoid lighting open fires or using equipment that can produce sparks in affected areas.
- Follow any local restrictions on burning or other high-risk activities.
- Report unattended or uncontrolled fires to emergency services immediately.
Provincial snapshot
| Province | Short forecast | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Fine and warm | UVB index: High |
| Mpumalanga | Cloudy east with morning fog and drizzle on the escarpment; otherwise partly cloudy and warm | Cool in places along escarpment |
| Limpopo | Cloudy in the east with morning fog on the escarpment; otherwise fine and warm | Partly cloudy in the east |
| North West | Fine and warm | General conditions favourable |
| Free State | Fine and cool to warm | Some south-western parts under fire danger |
| Northern Cape | Fine and cool to warm; hot in places | Coastal winds moderate to fresh southerly |
| Western Cape | Partly cloudy in the south, otherwise fine and cool; warm in Central Karoo | Coastal wind light to moderate southerly to south-easterly; UVB Very High |
| Eastern Cape | Western half: cloudy first, then fine and warm to hot; Eastern half: partly cloudy with morning fog, becoming fine and cool | Windy in the northern interior; coastal winds vary |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Morning fog over the interior, otherwise partly cloudy to fine | Conditions generally cooler near coast |
The table summarises the Weather Service's broad forecast for each province. Local conditions may vary, particularly along escarpments and coastal areas where fog and wind can change rapidly.
Safety and preparedness
Driving in fog: reduce speed, use dipped headlights, allow extra stopping distance and avoid overtaking. Frost can make roads slippery—treat shaded surfaces with caution. For outdoor workers and those spending time outside, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when the UVB index is elevated and wear a hat and protective clothing.
Where an extremely high fire danger has been identified, communities should secure property, clear combustible material from around structures and obey any local prohibitions on open burning or using machinery that may emit sparks.
The Weather Service did not issue additional advisories at the time of the bulletin, but people in affected areas should monitor national and local weather updates and follow instructions from emergency services and municipal authorities.
Summary action points:
- Slow down and take care when driving in fog or on frosty roads.
- Protect skin against strong UVB with sunscreen, clothing and shade.
- Avoid fires and report any outbreaks immediately in areas under extremely high fire danger.
