South Africa Weather Warning: Thunderstorms and Cold Front This Weekend

A weather warning has been issued across South Africa, with severe thunderstorms expected inland and a strong cold front set to hit the Western Cape this weekend.

The South African Weather Service warns of heavy rain, flooding and damaging winds in several provinces.

ALSO READ: Gauteng weather alert: storms, heavy rain and cold conditions expected

Weather warning in South Africa today

A Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms is in effect for:

• Free State: widespread
• North West: central and western regions
• Northern Cape: central and southern areas

Expected impacts include:

• damaging winds
• heavy rain
• localised flooding in low-lying areas
• possible damage to infrastructure and informal settlements

ALSO READ: Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga Weather Warning

What you need to know

• Severe thunderstorms expected on Saturday
• Flooding risk in central provinces
• Cold front arrives in Western Cape on Sunday
• Cold, wet and windy conditions into Monday

Saturday: Storm risk inland

Severe thunderstorms are expected across:

• Free State
• North West
• parts of the Northern Cape
• Gauteng (late afternoon)

Possible impacts:

• heavy downpours
• hail
• strong winds

ALSO READ: Cape Town Rain Eases as Clear Weather Returns This Week

Sunday: Cold front hits Western Cape

A strong cold front will make landfall in the southwest on Sunday afternoon.

Western Cape

• widespread rain between 20mm and 40mm
• strong north-westerly winds (50 to 65 km/h)
• gusts up to 90 km/h

Northern Cape

• very cold, wet and windy conditions in southern Namakwa

Monday: Cold and wet conditions continue

Cold conditions will spread across the southern interior.

• temperatures drop sharply
• rain continues in parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape

Snow is possible on high-lying mountains, including Matroosberg.

Karoo regions such as Sutherland could see daytime temperatures drop to 10°C or lower.

ALSO READ: Cape Town Weather Alert: Flooding and Road Closures Disrupt Travel Today

Fire danger warning

No fire danger warnings are in place for Friday.

However, a high fire risk (FDI above 75) is expected on Saturday in:

• Beaufort West
• Laingsburg
• Oudtshoorn

Provincial outlook

Gauteng

• Saturday: partly cloudy, isolated thundershowers (19°C)
• Sunday: clear and warmer (22°C)
• Monday: sunny and mild (23°C)

Western Cape

• Saturday: partly cloudy (20°C)
• Sunday: heavy rain and strong winds (16°C)
• Monday: cold with showers (15°C)

KwaZulu-Natal

• Saturday: cloudy with scattered showers
• Sunday: continued isolated rain and cool conditions

Why this matters

This weather warning could affect travel plans and outdoor activities, especially in areas at risk of flooding and along the Western Cape coast where strong winds and heavy rain are expected.

Safety tips

• Avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas
• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items
• Allow extra travel time
• Monitor updates from the South African Weather Service

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