Severe Weather Alert
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a severe weather warning for Thursday, 13 March 2025, alerting residents of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and other provinces about the risk of disruptive rain, flooding, and strong winds. The forecast indicates that heavy downpours, severe thunderstorms, and hail could impact various parts of the country, prompting emergency services to be on high alert.
Severe Weather Warnings for KZN and Other Provinces
KwaZulu-Natal: Orange Level 6 and Yellow Level 4 Warnings
KZN has been placed under an Orange Level 6 warning for heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly in the southeastern regions. The potential impacts include:
✅ Flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements
✅ Damage to infrastructure and buildings
✅ Mudslides in hilly and mountainous areas
✅ Dangerous driving conditions due to waterlogged roads
Additionally, a Yellow Level 4 warning has been issued for most parts of the province, cautioning against severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours, strong winds, lightning, and hail.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Across Multiple Provinces
Other provinces are also bracing for severe thunderstorms and localized flooding. A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for:
- Northern Cape (southeastern parts)
- Free State (southern parts)
- North West (eastern parts)
- Gauteng
- Limpopo (southern areas)
- Mpumalanga (except the Lowveld)
These regions could experience strong, damaging winds, excessive lightning, and small hail, posing risks to infrastructure and personal safety.
Coastal Storm Warnings
Along South Africa’s coastline, strong winds and high waves are expected to make sea navigation hazardous.
- A Yellow Level 4 warning has been issued for Saldanha Bay to Plettenberg Bay, with rough sea conditions predicted.
- A Yellow Level 2 warning is in place for Plettenberg Bay to Mazeppa Bay, cautioning against dangerous waves and strong currents.
Fire Danger Warnings for the Northern and Western Cape
While some areas brace for severe storms, parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape face a different threat. Extremely high fire danger conditions have been forecasted for:
🔥 The western parts of the Northern Cape
🔥 The northwestern regions of the Western Cape
Residents are urged to take precautions and avoid activities that could start wildfires.
What to Expect in Your Region
Gauteng
- Cloudy and cool to warm conditions
- Scattered showers and thundershowers
- High UVB sunburn index – take precautions
Mpumalanga & Limpopo
- Cloudy and cool to warm weather
- Isolated showers and thundershowers, with heavier rain in the south-central parts of Limpopo
North West & Free State
- Partly cloudy and warm
- Scattered thunderstorms in the east
- Morning fog patches expected in Free State
Northern Cape
- Very hot conditions over the western interior
- Scattered showers and thunderstorms in the southeast
- Fine weather in the extreme west
Western & Eastern Cape
- Extremely hot weather in the western parts
- Partly cloudy conditions with scattered showers
- Cool and cloudy conditions along the southern coast
KwaZulu-Natal
- Morning fog over the interior
- Cloudy and warm with widespread thunderstorms
- High UVB sunburn index – protect yourself from sun exposure
Safety Tips During Severe Weather
🌧️ Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding
⚡ Stay indoors during thunderstorms to avoid lightning strikes
🚗 Drive cautiously on wet roads and avoid crossing flooded bridges
🏠 Secure outdoor furniture and structures to prevent wind damage
🔥 Refrain from starting fires in high-risk areas
With heavy rain, severe storms, and strong winds expected in multiple provinces, residents should take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Emergency services are on high alert, and SAWS will continue to issue updates.
Stay informed and be prepared for possible disruptions!
