Today’s Weather Alert
South Africa is bracing for a day of severe weather conditions as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and intense lightning are set to impact various provinces on Tuesday, 11 March 2025. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather alerts for several regions, warning residents of potential flooding, strong winds, and dangerous lightning activity.
Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Expected
A Yellow Level 2 weather warning has been issued for parts of Gauteng, the Free State, and the North West. These areas can expect severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain , strong winds, excessive lightning, and even small hail. The weather system may cause localized flooding on roads and low-lying areas, making travel hazardous.
In coastal regions, particularly between Port Alfred and Port Edward, forecasters predict disruptive rain from Thursday into Friday, increasing the risk of flooding in the Eastern Cape.
Provincial Weather Breakdown
Gauteng
- Cloudy and warm conditions with scattered thunderstorms expected in the extreme south and southwest.
- UVB Index: Extreme – residents are advised to use sun protection.
Mpumalanga
- Cloudy and cool-to-warm conditions with isolated showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the northwest.
Limpopo
- Partly cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms developing later in the day.
North West
- Cloudy-to-partly cloudy conditions with scattered thunderstorms. The extreme west may experience isolated showers.
Free State
- Scattered thunderstorms, particularly in the central and eastern regions. The west will see isolated showers.
Northern Cape
- Fine and warm-to-hot conditions, cooler along the coast. Isolated showers and thunderstorms expected in the northeast.
- Strong southerly to southeasterly winds along the coastline.
Western Cape
- Partly cloudy over the northeastern areas in the morning, otherwise fine and warm.
- Strong winds are expected along the west and southwest coast in the afternoon.
- UVB Index: Very high – sunburn precautions are necessary.
Eastern Cape
- Western parts: Cloudy in the morning, becoming partly cloudy later.
- Eastern parts: Cloudy and cool with rain south of the escarpment, while inland areas may experience isolated thunderstorms.
KwaZulu-Natal
- Cloudy and cool-to-warm conditions with isolated thunderstorms.
- Moderate-to-fresh southerly to south-westerly winds along the coast.
Weather Risks and Safety Precautions
With severe thunderstorms and excessive lightning expected, residents should take the following precautions:
- Avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
- Stay indoors and unplug electrical appliances during storms.
- Avoid driving on flooded roads or low-lying areas prone to flooding.
- Secure loose objects that could be displaced by strong winds.
- Monitor weather updates for any changes in conditions or additional warnings.
Stay safe and stay prepared as South Africa faces another day of extreme weather.
