South African Weather Service
In the news
El Niño set to strengthen into very strong event, WMO says
The WMO and SAWS warn that El Niño is intensifying into a potentially record-breaking event, bringing severe heatwaves, low rainfall, and elevated drought risks to South Africa…
The SAWS warns exceptionally strong 2026/2027 El Niño could bring severe heatwaves to SA
The South African Weather Service warns that an exceptionally strong El Niño developing in the Pacific Ocean could trigger severe heatwaves, water scarcity, and hotter, drier…
Cold front and cut-off low plunge SA into snow, rain and bitter cold
A powerful cold front and cut-off low have plunged South Africa into a deep freeze, bringing snow to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, heavy rain, and strong winds.…
Record-dry July in parts of Western Cape raises water concerns as El Niño strengthens
Parts of the south-western Western Cape recorded their driest July on record, with several weather stations measuring historically low rainfall. This, coupled with a…
Preparing for El Niño
Scientists are warning South Africa to prepare for an unusually early and strengthening El Niño that is likely to bring hotter-than-normal conditions and raise the risk of a…