Johannesburg – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a stark warning to residents across several provinces, predicting widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall for today, Thursday, March 27, 2025. The alert calls for increased vigilance and preparedness, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
The latest forecast indicates that large swathes of central and eastern South Africa are bracing for significant rainfall, with an 80% probability of showers in regions including the Free State, Gauteng, and parts of Mpumalanga.
Scattered showers, with a 60% probability, are expected across the Northern Cape and eastern regions of the Eastern Cape. Meanwhile, a 30% chance of isolated showers is predicted for parts of Limpopo and the western sections of the Eastern Cape.
Impact-Based Warnings in Effect
The SAWS has implemented its colour-coded weather warning system, with yellow indicating a moderate risk of impact that requires caution and awareness. The numbers accompanying the colour indicate the likelihood of weather-based impacts occurring.
A Yellow Level 2 warning is in effect for severe thunderstorms over Gauteng, North West, and parts of the Free State. These storms are expected to bring heavy downpours, increasing the risk of localised flooding in low-lying areas.
A separate Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for disruptive rainfall in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where the potential for flooding of roads and low-lying areas is a significant concern.
Provincial Breakdown of the Weather Forecast
Here's a more detailed look at what to expect in your province:
- Gauteng: Cloudy and cool to warm conditions with widespread showers and thundershowers. Temperatures in Pretoria range from 18°C to 25°C, Johannesburg from 16°C to 23°C, and Vereeniging from 16°C to 24°C.
- Mpumalanga: Cloudy and cool to warm with widespread showers and thundershowers, except for scattered showers in the north-east. Temperatures in Mbombela range from 19°C to 24°C, Ermelo from 16°C to 19°C, Emalahleni from 16°C to 22°C, Standerton from 16°C to 22°C, and Skukuza from 19°C to 27°C.
- Limpopo: Cloudy and warm conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers. The Limpopo Valley will be partly cloudy, while the southern parts can expect scattered showers. Temperatures in Polokwane range from 17°C to 25°C, Phalaborwa from 20°C to 29°C, Tzaneen from 18°C to 23°C, Musina from 20°C to 31°C, Lephalale from 19°C to 29°C, and Mokopane from 18°C to 27°C.
- North West: Partly cloudy and warm. Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected but will turn widespread in the eastern regions. Temperatures in Klerksdorp range from 16°C to 28°C, Potchefstroom from 15°C to 26°C, Mahikeng from 17°C to 27°C, Rustenburg from 18°C to 28°C, and Vryburg from 17°C to 29°C.
- Free State: Morning fog patches followed by partly cloudy conditions. Cool to warm temperatures with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers. Widespread showers are expected in the east. Temperatures in Bloemfontein range from 14°C to 28°C, Welkom from 15°C to 28°C, and Bethlehem from 14°C to 23°C.
- Northern Cape: Morning fog along the coast, then fine and warm to hot conditions. The eastern region may experience isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers. Cooler temperatures are expected in parts of the west. Coastal winds will begin moderate to fresh south-easterly and become light south-westerly in the afternoon. Temperatures in Upington range from 19°C to 34°C, Kimberley from 16°C to 30°C, De Aar from 11°C to 28°C, Alexander Bay from 15°C to 24°C, Springbok from 15°C to 29°C, Calvinia from 9°C to 30°C, and Sutherland from 7°C to 27°C.
- Western Cape: Partly cloudy over the south-western interior until the afternoon, transitioning to fine and warm conditions, though cool in some south-eastern areas. Coastal winds will be moderate to fresh easterly and south-easterly, turning fresh south-westerly in the west by the afternoon. Temperatures in Cape Town range from 16°C to 27°C, Vredendal from 14°C to 33°C, Riversdale from 14°C to 26°C, George from 12°C to 22°C, Worcester from 10°C to 30°C, Beaufort West from 13°C to 27°C, and Oudtshoorn from 11°C to 30°C.
- Eastern Cape (Western Half): Morning fog patches over the interior. The rest of the day will be fine and cool to warm. Coastal winds will shift from light westerly to moderate-to-fresh easterly in the afternoon.
- Eastern Cape (Eastern Half): Expect morning fog patches over the interior, with partly cloudy and cool conditions throughout the day. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected, becoming scattered in the north-east. Coastal winds will switch from light westerly to easterly during the afternoon. Temperatures in Gqeberha range from 16°C to 24°C, Makhanda from 13°C to 24°C, Cradock from 10°C to 25°C, Graaff-Reinet from 10°C to 25°C, East London from 17°C to 23°C, Port St Johns from 17°C to 22°C, Mthatha from 13°C to 21°C, Komani from 11°C to 22°C, and Qonce from 14°C to 23°C.
- KwaZulu-Natal: Morning fog patches inland followed by cloudy conditions. Cool to cold weather with scattered showers and thundershowers, becoming widespread in the north-east where it will be warm. Coastal winds will be moderate to fresh southerly to south-easterly. Temperatures in Durban range from 21°C to 24°C, Richard's Bay from 22°C to 24°C, Pietermaritzburg from 16°C to 20°C, and Ladysmith from 16°C to 22°C.
Intense Cut-Off Low Expected to Impact Eastern Cape on Friday
The SAWS has also issued an advisory regarding an intense cut-off low that is expected to move across the Eastern Cape on Friday. The public is advised that this weather system could result in severe storms associated with heavy downpours, large hail, and strong winds.
Safety Precautions
Residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions, particularly in flood-prone areas. Motorists should exercise extreme caution as roads may become hazardous due to water accumulation and reduced visibility caused by morning fog patches in several areas. Additionally, strong winds along coastal regions may impact marine activities. Stay tuned to updated forecasts from the SAWS and heed any warnings issued by local authorities.
