SAWS Warns of Severe Thunderstorms
South Africa is bracing for a turbulent weather day as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple warnings for severe weather conditions across various provinces. On Tuesday, 15 April 2025, residents in affected areas are urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety amid threats of severe thunderstorms, disruptive rainfall, flooding, and heavy downpours.
Impact-Based Weather Warnings in Effect
The SA Weather Service has released several impact-based warnings, highlighting regions where extreme weather is likely to cause damage or disrupt daily life.
Northern Cape: Severe Thunderstorms Forecast
A yellow level 2 warning has been issued for the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, where severe thunderstorms are expected. These storms may lead to localised flooding, particularly in susceptible areas such as low-lying roads, bridges, and informal settlements. Residents are also warned of possible damage to property and infrastructure.
KwaZulu-Natal: Disruptive Rainfall and Major Flooding
KwaZulu-Natal faces a yellow level 4 warning, one of the most serious advisories issued. Most parts of the province—excluding the north-east—are expected to experience disruptive rainfall, with a high risk of flooding in both formal and informal settlements. Major roadways may become impassable, leading to significant traffic disruptions, particularly in urban centres. The public is advised to avoid travelling unless necessary and to stay updated with weather alerts.
Mpumalanga: Heavy Downpours in the South
A yellow level 2 warning has been issued for southern Mpumalanga, where disruptive rain is forecast. These downpours may result in flooded roads, damaged infrastructure, and temporary service disruptions, especially in areas with poor drainage systems. Local municipalities may experience pressure as emergency response teams prepare for potential rescues and recovery efforts.
Provincial Weather Overview
The forecast reveals a mixed bag of weather conditions across the country. Here’s a breakdown of what residents in different provinces can expect:
Gauteng
Gauteng will remain relatively stable compared to other provinces, with partly cloudy skies and cool to warm temperatures. Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers are expected. However, residents should be cautious of the “very high” UVB sunburn index and protect themselves against sun exposure.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga will experience cloudy and cool to warm weather, with isolated to scattered thundershowers, particularly in the south where conditions are more severe. Flash flooding and road hazards are likely.
Limpopo
Limpopo’s weather will be partly cloudy and warm to hot, with mostly fine conditions in the morning. There is a reduced chance of rain, but sudden changes remain possible due to surrounding unstable conditions.
North West
Morning fog patches will clear to reveal a partly cloudy to cloudy day, with isolated to scattered showers expected across most regions. The western parts will also experience windy conditions, potentially exacerbating weather-related disruptions.
Free State
The Free State will have scattered showers and thundershowers, especially in the north and central areas. The south-west will see more isolated activity, with cool temperatures and morning fog patches.
Northern Cape
Apart from the severe weather warnings in the north-east, the rest of the Northern Cape will be fine in the west and partly cloudy to windy in central and eastern parts. Isolated to scattered thundershowers are also forecast, and travel should be approached with caution.
Western Cape
Western Cape residents can expect fine and cool to warm conditions, with partly cloudy skies. The central parts will clear by evening, but a high UVB index means sun protection is essential.
Eastern Cape (Western and Eastern Halves)
The western half of the Eastern Cape will see fine to partly cloudy skies, with light evening rain in coastal areas. The eastern half will be cool with scattered thundershowers, especially in the east where cold and cloudy weather is expected.
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is the most severely affected province. Apart from cloudy and cold to cool temperatures, widespread showers and thundershowers will dominate the day. The warm north-east may offer slight respite, but the rest of the province faces a high risk of flooding, traffic disruptions, and dangerous driving conditions.
Safety Tips for Residents
Given the severe weather warnings, SAWS advises the public to:
- Avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges.
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms.
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
- Monitor updates from SAWS via official social media and radio broadcasts.
- Prepare for potential electricity and municipal service disruptions.
Tuesday, 15 April 2025, marks a day of heightened alert as several provinces, particularly KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Northern Cape, brace for severe thunderstorms, disruptive rainfall, and possible flooding. While some areas like Gauteng and the Western Cape face more moderate conditions, the national outlook calls for vigilance and preparedness.
Stay safe, stay informed, and take proactive steps to protect yourself, your family, and your property from the impact of South Africa’s volatile autumn weather.
