SAWS Issues Severe Weather Alert
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a severe weather alert for Friday, 28 March 2025, warning of thunderstorms, flooding, damaging winds, and fire hazards in various provinces. Residents in affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions as the weather conditions pose risks to settlements, infrastructure, and power supply.
Severe Weather Warnings
SAWS has highlighted three major concerns for the day:
1. Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding
- Orange Level 5 Warning:
- Central and northern Eastern Cape will experience severe thunderstorms, with potential flooding and damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure.
- Power supply disruptions are expected.
- Yellow Level 2 warning:
- Heavy rain in eastern North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga Highveld, and northern KwaZulu-Natal may cause localized flooding and damage.
- Power supply could be affected in some areas.
2. Damaging Winds
- Yellow Level 2 warning issued for parts of the Eastern Cape.
- Winds may cause damage to property, vehicles, and settlements.
- Strong winds may also disrupt harbours and ports along the coastline between Oyster Bay and Coffee Bay, affecting navigation at sea.
3. Fire Danger Conditions
- Extremely high fire risks expected in parts of the Northern Cape, specifically in the Khai-Ma and Hantam municipalities.
- Dry conditions and strong winds increase the likelihood of wildfires, posing a threat to farms and rural communities.
Provincial Weather Forecast
Here’s a detailed look at Friday’s weather conditions across different provinces:
Gauteng
- Cloudy and cool to warm conditions.
- Widespread showers and thundershowers expected throughout the day.
Mpumalanga
- Morning fog patches along the escarpment.
- Cloudy and cool to warm, with widespread showers and thunderstorms.
- Scattered rainfall expected in the Lowveld and escarpment areas, clearing in the afternoon.
Limpopo
- Morning fog and drizzle along the escarpment.
- Cloudy and warm conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers, except in the extreme north.
- Partly cloudy conditions expected in the afternoon.
North West
- Morning fog in the eastern parts.
- Cloudy and cool to warm, with scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers.
- Isolated thunderstorms in the western parts.
Free State
- Cloudy conditions in the east and extreme south.
- Cool to warm temperatures, with scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms.
- Isolated rainfall expected in the central and western regions.
Northern Cape
- Morning fog along the coast.
- Fine and warm to hot in most areas.
- Isolated showers and thundershowers in the central and eastern parts.
Western Cape
- Morning fog along the west coast.
- Fine and warm conditions, except in the east and central areas where isolated showers and thundershowers are expected.
- Evening fog in the west and southwest.
- UVB sunburn index: Very High – Sun protection is advised.
Eastern Cape (Western Half)
- Morning fog in some southern parts.
- Partly cloudy and cool to warm, with widespread showers and thundershowers.
- Scattered rain expected along the coast west of Port Alfred.
Eastern Cape (Eastern Half)
- Morning fog, followed by cloudy and cool to warm conditions.
- Widespread showers and thundershowers, with scattered rainfall in the extreme east.
KwaZulu-Natal
- Morning fog patches over the interior.
- Cloudy and cool to warm, with scattered showers and thunderstorms.
- Widespread rain expected in the north-east.
Safety Precautions for Affected Areas
If you live in an area affected by these warnings, consider the following safety measures:
For Storms and Flooding:
✔ Avoid driving in heavy rain and flooded areas.
✔ Secure loose outdoor objects and stay indoors during storms.
✔ Keep emergency contacts and supplies ready.
For Strong Winds:
✔ Stay away from unstable structures, trees, and power lines.
✔ If traveling, check for road and port closures.
For Fire Danger Areas:
✔ Avoid open flames or burning debris in dry conditions.
✔ Report wildfires to local authorities immediately.
The latest SAWS weather warning highlights severe storms, flooding, strong winds, and fire hazards across multiple provinces. Residents are advised to stay alert, follow safety precautions, and monitor local updates to ensure their well-being.
For real-time weather alerts, follow updates from the South African Weather Service and local authorities. Stay safe!
