Monday weather: Heat and thunderstorms forecast as special voting gets under way - IOL

South Africa can expect hot conditions in several provinces on Monday, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers forecast in parts of the country.

South Africans can expect a combination of warm to very hot weather and scattered showers and thundershowers on Monday, November 2, as special voting gets underway for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) expects similar conditions to those forecast for Sunday to persist into Monday and Tuesday, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers possible across several parts of the country.

Parts of the Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga are expected to experience very hot conditions.

A heatwave advisory is also expected to remain in place until Monday in parts of the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and northern Gauteng, where persistently high temperatures are forecast.

The weather outlook comes as approved special voters cast their ballots on Monday and Tuesday, ahead of the official election day on Wednesday, November 4.

SAWS has urged voters and election officials to take changing weather conditions into account when planning their activities.

“Voters are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly, particularly in areas where afternoon thunderstorms are expected,” the weather service said.

Members of the public have also been advised to stay hydrated, take precautions against prolonged exposure to heat, carry umbrellas or raincoats where showers are expected and allow extra time for travel.

Motorists should exercise caution on wet roads, particularly where thunderstorms could reduce visibility.

SAWS will continue monitoring conditions and issuing severe weather warnings and advisories where necessary.