Today’s weather alert
South Africa is facing a day of extreme weather conditions, with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issuing urgent warnings for severe thunderstorms, extreme heat, and high fire risks. If you’re in one of the affected regions, it’s essential to stay updated and take the necessary precautions.
Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Multiple Provinces
SAWS has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms across several regions, including:
- KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
- Mpumalanga escarpment
- Northeastern parts of the Eastern Cape
The thunderstorms are expected to bring:
✅ Strong winds capable of causing damage to infrastructure and property
✅ Hailstorms posing risks to vehicles and buildings
✅ Localised flooding in both formal and informal settlements
Residents in these areas should be cautious, especially when traveling or staying outdoors. Secure loose objects and avoid flooded roads.
Heatwave Alert for Gauteng, Limpopo & Mpumalanga
Heatwave conditions are set to persist over the following areas:
🔥 Mpumalanga and Limpopo Lowveld – Until Sunday
🔥 Gauteng and the western Bushveld of Limpopo – Until at least Saturday
With temperatures soaring, SAWS has warned residents to:
- Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure
- Wear light clothing and apply sunscreen
- Seek shade or stay indoors during peak heat hours
The UVB sunburn index in Gauteng, Limpopo, and the Western Cape is expected to be very high to extreme, increasing the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
Fire Danger Warning for the Northern Cape
🔥 Extreme fire danger conditions are expected in the eastern parts of the Northern Cape.
Residents and farmers in these areas should take precautions to prevent wildfires, including:
- Avoiding open flames or fires in dry, windy conditions
- Safely disposing of cigarette butts and other flammable materials
- Staying alert to any fire outbreaks and reporting them immediately
Provincial Weather Forecast – 31 January 2025
Here’s what to expect across South Africa today:
Gauteng
☀️ Very hot in the north, partly cloudy elsewhere
🌦️ Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers in the east
☀️ UVB index: Very high
Mpumalanga
⛅ Partly cloudy and warm
🌦️ Isolated to scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers
Limpopo
⛅ Partly cloudy and hot to very hot
🌦️ Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers in the central and southeastern parts
North West
⛅ Partly cloudy and hot, very hot in the west
Free State
⛅ Partly cloudy and hot
🌦️ Isolated afternoon thundershowers in the east
Northern Cape
☀️ Fine and warm to hot
🌦️ Partly cloudy along the south coast with isolated light showers
🔥 Fire danger warning in the east
Western Cape
⛅ Partly cloudy and cool along the southern coast
🌧️ Isolated rain and showers over the extreme southeast
☀️ Fine and warm to hot elsewhere
☀️ UVB index: Extreme
Eastern Cape (Western Half)
🌧️ Cloudy and cool along the coast with isolated showers
☀️ Warm to hot inland
Eastern Cape (Eastern Half)
🌤️ Fine and cool to warm, hot in places inland
🌦️ Isolated to scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers
KwaZulu-Natal
🌡️ Hot to very hot, becoming cloudy in the afternoon
🌦️ Scattered showers and thundershowers, isolated in the northeast
☀️ UVB index: Extreme
Safety Tips for Severe Weather Conditions
✔ During thunderstorms: Stay indoors, avoid metal objects, and do not seek shelter under trees.
✔ During a heatwave: Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities, and wear protective clothing.
✔ Fire danger precautions: Do not start open fires, and report any fires to emergency services.
Stay safe and stay informed!
