As festivalgoers prepare to descend on Bloemfontein for the annual festival, the weather is shaping up to support a lively and comfortable atmosphere. 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts fine and cool to cold conditions across Central South Africa heading into the weekend, offering ideal weather for the outdoor performances, art exhibitions, and cultural festivities that mark this much-loved event.

In Bloemfontein, where the festival is set to take centre stage, temperatures are expected to remain cool but pleasant over the weekend, gradually warming up by Monday (14/7), when a maximum temperature of 20 °C is forecast.

No extraordinary weather conditions are expected in the central interior over the weekend, said SAWS forecaster André Fourie. Festival organisers and visitors can expect mostly fine conditions, with only the extreme eastern parts of the Free State becoming partly cloudy and windy. 

In the North West province, the weather is also set to be fine and cool, while the Northern Cape will see partly cloudy, windy, and cool to cold conditions, warming slightly in the northern parts.

However, those travelling from coastal regions should be aware of weather warnings issued by SAWS. A Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging waves remains in effect along the stretch between Hondeklip Bay and Plettenberg Bay until Saturday afternoon, potentially affecting maritime activities. 

Additionally, a Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging waves and strong winds has been issued for the coastline between Plettenberg Bay and Hamburg, with small vessels at risk and localised disruption to ports and harbours anticipated.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh