The SAWS traces its lineage to the Cape of Good Hope Meteorological Commission, established in October 1860.

The Union of South Africa's Weather Service was established in 1912 under the Department of Irrigation, with Charles M Stewart as its first Chief Meteorologist.

[1] At some point between 1912 and 1940, the SAWS' name was changed to the Meteorological Service, and in 1940, during the Second World War, became the responsibility of the Department of Defence.

In 1949, the Meteorological Service was transferred to the Department of Transport, and became the South African Weather Bureau.

[4] Near real-time (~5 minutes delay) weather radar is available for most of the country,[6] even within the Kruger National Park.