The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 1 Weather Alert for damaging winds. These conditions increase the risk of runaway fires, localised damage, and travel disruptions. Although Level 1 is the lowest warning level, the risks remain serious for residents and communities.
What a Level 1 Weather Alert Means
SAWS uses an impact-based warning system. A yellow Level 1 warning means minor to moderate disruptions are possible. Winds can damage settlements, slow down travel, and affect high-sided vehicles on exposed roads.
Dry vegetation and strong winds create the perfect environment for runaway fires. According to the SAWS Fire Danger Index, fire danger is extremely high in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, North West, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape.
Forecast for 15 September 2025
SAWS forecasts partly cloudy to fine conditions with temperatures ranging from cool to warm. Some areas will be hot.
- Gauteng: Fine and warm with a very high UVB index.
- Mpumalanga: Fog patches in the morning, otherwise warm to hot in the Lowveld.
- North West & Free State: Fine, windy, and warm with high fire danger.
- Western Cape: Cloudy to partly cloudy, windy, and cool to warm. Gale force winds are expected from Cape Point to Plettenberg Bay.
- Eastern Cape: Fine, windy, and hot along the coast.
- KwaZulu-Natal: Fog patches in the morning, otherwise warm to hot, with strong coastal winds later.
A level 2 warning is also in place for damaging winds and waves along the southwest coast, creating risks for ships and fishing boats.
Why Damaging Winds Increase Fire Risk
Wind makes fires more dangerous because it:
- Supplies more oxygen, which makes flames burn hotter.
- Carries embers that start new fires far from the original source.
- Pushes fires quickly through dry grass and bush.
Forecasting fire risk is difficult. EUMeTrain explains that forecasters use satellite images, vegetation data, and moisture readings to predict where runaway fires may spread.
Recent Fire Statistics and Trends
South Africa has already seen how devastating runaway fires can be. In 2024, more than 424,000 hectares of land burnt in the North West province, according to the International Fire & Safety Journal.
These fires destroyed farmland, livestock, and homes. They also showed how under-resourced Fire Protection Associations (FPAs) struggle with staff shortages, old equipment, and limited funding.
Impacts of the Current Warning
A Level 1 Weather Alert brings several risks:
- Runaway fires: Dry and windy conditions make fires spread fast.
- Property damage: Informal settlements and lightweight structures face the highest risk.
- Travel delays: Trucks and buses may struggle in strong winds.
- Marine risks: Level 2 warnings at sea pose dangers to smaller vessels.
- Health problems: Smoke and dust affect children, the elderly, and people with lung conditions.
Safety Tips for Residents
Authorities recommend several actions to stay safe:
- Do not light open fires in veld or dry areas.
- Keep water or sand nearby when using heaters.
- Secure outdoor items that can blow away in strong winds.
- Plan travel carefully, especially for trucks and buses.
- Farmers should maintain firebreaks and watch grazing land closely.
- Communities should share alerts through WhatsApp or radio.
Looking Ahead
South Africa’s fire risks are growing as the climate changes. Longer dry seasons, hotter summers, and stronger winds create perfect conditions for runaway fires.
Research on Forestry South Africa calls for stronger investment in fire prevention. This includes better detection systems, more resources for FPAs, and stronger community education.
The Level 1 Weather Alert highlights the need for vigilance. Even a lower-level warning can escalate quickly into a dangerous situation. Staying informed, following SAWS updates, and acting responsibly will help protect people, property, and the environment.
Check Out: Today’s Weather Forecast – 15 September 2025
