Today’s Weather Alert
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a severe weather alert for Wednesday, 26 March 2025. Residents in the Northern Cape, North West, and Free State should brace themselves for severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, localized flooding, strong winds, and excessive lightning. This extreme weather may lead to hazardous conditions, making it crucial for those in affected areas to take precautionary measures.
Weather Warnings for 26 March 2025
Impact-Based Warning: Yellow Level 2
SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for parts of the Northern Cape, North West, and Free State. This warning highlights the potential for:
- Heavy downpours, which could result in localized flooding in low-lying areas and roads.
- Strong damaging winds, capable of uprooting trees, damaging infrastructure, and posing a risk to vehicles on the road.
- Excessive lightning, increasing the risk of power outages, fires, and personal injury.
Residents in the northeastern parts of the Northern Cape, western parts of the North West, and extreme western parts of the Free State should remain on high alert throughout the day.
Provincial Weather Forecast for 26 March 2025
Gauteng
- Partly cloudy and warm conditions.
- Isolated showers and thundershowers in the afternoon.
- UVB sunburn index: High – residents should take sun protection measures.
Mpumalanga
- Cloudy conditions in the southeast.
- Partly cloudy and warm with scattered showers and thundershowers.
- The Lowveld region will experience only isolated thunderstorms.
Limpopo
- Partly cloudy and warm to hot weather.
- Isolated showers and thundershowers, except in the extreme Lowveld and Limpopo Valley, where no rain is expected.
- Scattered thunderstorms anticipated in the extreme south.
North West
- Partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions.
- Scattered showers and thundershowers expected in the afternoon, but isolated in the northern areas.
Free State
- Partly cloudy and warm.
- Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, except in the extreme southern region.
Northern Cape
- Fine and cool conditions in the western areas.
- Partly cloudy, windy, and warm in other regions.
- Isolated showers and thundershowers, but scattered in the northeast (severely affected areas).
Western Cape
- Fine and cool to warm conditions.
- Partly cloudy in the morning and evening, especially along the south coast.
- UVB sunburn index: Very high – necessary precautions are advised.
Eastern Cape (Western Half)
- Fine and cool to warm weather.
- Partly cloudy in the eastern regions.
Eastern Cape (Eastern Half)
- Partly cloudy and cool to warm.
- Isolated showers and thundershowers in the east.
- Cloudy conditions south of the escarpment, with scattered showers and rain along the Wild Coast.
KwaZulu-Natal
- Cloudy conditions throughout the day.
- Scattered showers and thundershowers, but isolated in the extreme southwest.
Safety Precautions for Severe Weather
Given the strong winds, thunderstorms, and possible flooding, residents in the affected provinces should take the following precautions:
✅ Secure Loose Objects: Strong winds can blow away unsecured items, so it’s essential to secure outdoor furniture and other loose objects.
✅ Stay Indoors: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially during thunderstorms, to reduce exposure to lightning and hazardous road conditions.
✅ Be Cautious on Roads: Flooded roads can be dangerous. If you encounter water covering the road, turn around—don’t risk driving through it.
✅ Unplug Electronics: Protect appliances and electronic devices from lightning strikes by unplugging them during severe storms.
✅ Follow Updates from SAWS: Stay informed by monitoring weather updates through the SA Weather Service website and local news channels.
Severe thunderstorms and strong winds are expected to impact parts of the Northern Cape, North West, and Free State today, 26 March 2025. Residents in these areas must be prepared for heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and damaging winds. It is crucial to take precautionary measures and stay updated on weather forecasts to ensure safety.
For more detailed weather information and live updates, follow SAWS official channels and local emergency services. Stay safe and be prepared!
