Saturday’s weather: Risk of floods in KZN, cool cold elsewhere

Saturday’s weather: Risk of floods in KZN cool cold elsewhere as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms over parts of KwaZulu-Natal, while much of the country is expected to experience cold to cool conditions.

KwaZulu-Natal faces severe thunderstorms and flood risk

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that severe thunderstorms could affect the southern coast and eastern interior of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.

The Yellow Level 1 warning indicates that heavy downpours, strong winds and localized flooding are possible. Residents are urged to remain alert as the storms could damage informal settlements, roads and other infrastructure.

Forecasters say isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the province, with the highest risk along the coast and nearby inland areas.

Yellow Level 1 warning explained

What the warning means

A Yellow Level 1 warning means there is a moderate risk of weather-related impacts that require caution.

Possible impacts include:

• Heavy rainfall causing localized flooding
• Strong winds damaging trees and structures
• Poor driving conditions
• Temporary disruptions to transport

Residents are encouraged to avoid crossing flooded roads and monitor official weather updates throughout the day.

South Africa weather forecast by province

Gauteng

Fine and cool conditions are expected, although southern areas will be cold during the morning.

• Pretoria: 5°C – 20°C
• Johannesburg: 4°C – 18°C
• Vereeniging: 3°C – 19°C

Mpumalanga

Morning frost is expected over parts of the Highveld before clearing.

Lowveld areas will remain warm.

• Mbombela: 8°C – 22°C
• Ermelo: 3°C – 20°C
• Emalahleni: 9°C – 19°C
• Standerton: -3°C – 21°C
• Skukuza: 7°C – 28°C

Limpopo

Mostly fine and cool to warm weather is forecast.

Morning frost may occur in the southwest.

• Polokwane: 4°C – 25°C
• Phalaborwa: 8°C – 25°C
• Tzaneen: 7°C – 23°C
• Musina: 9°C – 25°C
• Lephalale: 3°C – 28°C
• Mokopane: 7°C – 26°C

North West

The province can expect fine and cool weather.

• Mahikeng: 4°C – 20°C
• Rustenburg: 3°C – 21°C
• Potchefstroom: 3°C – 20°C
• Klerksdorp: 3°C – 20°C
• Vryburg: 2°C – 21°C

Free State

Cold morning temperatures are expected, especially in eastern regions.

Morning fog may also develop.

• Bloemfontein: 3°C – 18°C
• Welkom: 4°C – 19°C
• Bethlehem: 2°C – 16°C

Northern Cape

Morning fog is possible in the southeast before conditions improve later in the day.

• Upington: 5°C – 20°C
• Kimberley: 3°C – 19°C
• De Aar: 4°C – 17°C
• Springbok: 11°C – 21°C
• Calvinia: -1°C – 20°C
• Sutherland: -3°C – 15°C

Western Cape

Cloudy weather with isolated showers is expected along the southern coast.

Western regions should become fine during the afternoon.

• Cape Town: 11°C – 19°C
• George: 9°C – 17°C
• Riversdale: 8°C – 19°C
• Worcester: 8°C – 21°C
• Beaufort West: 7°C – 15°C

Eastern Cape

Cold and cloudy weather is forecast, accompanied by scattered rain along coastal areas.

• Gqeberha: 12°C – 16°C
• East London: 13°C – 17°C
• Mthatha: 7°C – 14°C
• Makhanda: 9°C – 14°C
• Komani: 4°C – 13°C

KwaZulu-Natal

The province remains the main area of concern due to severe thunderstorms.

• Durban: 17°C – 20°C
• Richards Bay: 15°C – 22°C
• Pietermaritzburg: 8°C – 17°C
• Ladysmith: 7°C – 19°C

Localized flooding KZN remains the biggest concern

Weather experts say localized flooding remains possible in low-lying areas, particularly where heavy rainfall occurs over short periods.

Motorists are advised to:

• Avoid flooded roads
• Drive with headlights on during storms
• Reduce speed during heavy rainfall
• Keep updated with official SAWS warnings

Communities living near rivers and streams should also remain vigilant should water levels rise rapidly.

Cold conditions dominate elsewhere

Outside KwaZulu-Natal, most provinces are expected to experience typical winter weather, with temperatures falling into single digits during the early morning.

Several inland areas, including parts of the Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, may experience frost before sunrise.

Despite the chilly start, daytime temperatures are expected to recover into the upper teens and twenties across much of the country.

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SAWS urges residents to stay informed

The South African Weather Service continues to monitor the developing weather system affecting KwaZulu-Natal and advises residents to follow official forecasts throughout the day.

Authorities recommend remaining weather-aware, particularly in areas affected by thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and strong winds.

While much of South Africa can expect generally calm winter conditions, KwaZulu-Natal residents should prepare for potentially hazardous weather as the Saturday’s weather: Risk of floods in KZN cool cold elsewhere forecast remains in effect.