Today’s Weather Alert
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 4 warning for Friday, 21 February 2025, warning of severe rainfall and potential localized flooding in several provinces. Residents in affected areas should take precautionary measures as heavy rains could lead to road closures, property damage, and potential danger to life.
Weather Warnings for Friday, 21 February
Orange Level 4 Warning: Severe Rainfall & Flooding
SAWS has highlighted disruptive rain over the east-central and southeastern parts of the Northern Cape, which could result in:
- Flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements
- Damage to property and infrastructure
- Risk to human and animal life due to rapidly rising water levels
Yellow Level 2 Warning: Localized Flooding
The central and extreme northeastern parts of the Northern Cape, western North West and Free State, northeastern Western Cape, and western Eastern Cape may experience localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and informal settlements.
Impact of the Heavy Rainfall
- Blocked roads due to flooding and debris
- Power outages in some areas due to storm damage
- Increased traffic congestion due to poor visibility and wet roads
- Possible evacuation of residents in high-risk areas
Residents in these regions are advised to stay indoors where possible, avoid crossing flooded roads, and follow updates from local authorities.
Provincial Weather Forecast for Friday, 21 February
Gauteng
Expect cloudy and cool to warm conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers throughout the day.
Mpumalanga
Morning fog patches over the escarpment, followed by cloudy and cool to warm weather with isolated showers and thundershowers.
Limpopo
Similar to Mpumalanga, the province will see morning fog patches, followed by cloudy and cool to warm conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers.
North West
The province will have morning fog patches over the escarpment, transitioning to cloudy and cool to warm weather with isolated showers and thundershowers.
Free State
Residents will experience cloudy and cool to warm weather, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, but widespread rainfall in the western parts.
Northern Cape
- Morning and evening fog along the coast
- Partly cloudy and cool to warm conditions, but cloudy in the east
- Scattered showers and thundershowers, with widespread rain in the extreme east
- Hot conditions in some eastern parts
Western Cape
- Fog patches in the morning along the west and south-west coasts
- Partly cloudy and warm weather
- Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers expected in the north-eastern parts by the afternoon
Eastern Cape (Western Half)
- Warm to hot temperatures in the morning
- Cloudy and cool conditions with widespread showers and thundershowers
Eastern Cape (Eastern Half)
- Warm along the coast, but cooler inland
- Scattered showers and thundershowers moving in from the north and west
KwaZulu-Natal
- Morning fog in certain interior regions
- Cloudy to partly cloudy conditions
- Cool to warm temperatures
- Isolated showers and thundershowers (except for the Midlands)
- Scattered showers in the extreme north-east and south-west
Precautionary Measures
For Motorists & Pedestrians
- Avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers, or low-lying bridges
- Drive cautiously as roads may be slippery and visibility reduced
- Check for road closures and traffic updates before traveling
For Homeowners & Residents
- Ensure drainage systems are clear to prevent water accumulation
- Secure outdoor furniture and objects that may be displaced by strong winds
- Charge essential devices in case of power outages
For Farmers & Rural Communities
- Relocate livestock to higher ground
- Avoid working in open fields during heavy storms
- Store food and emergency supplies in waterproof containers
With an Orange Level 4 warning issued, severe weather conditions are expected to impact multiple provinces, particularly the Northern Cape, Free State, North West, and Eastern Cape. Residents should stay informed, take necessary precautions, and remain alert to ensure their safety during this period of heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
For real-time updates, follow SAWS weather reports and emergency response teams.
