Johannesburg – South Africa is bracing for a mix of severe thunderstorms, possible flooding, damaging winds and extreme heat on Thursday, with several provinces placed under weather warnings by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
The country will experience sharply contrasting conditions, with severe storms expected in parts of the interior while very hot conditions persist in several areas.
A yellow Level 4 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms over Gauteng, the Mpumalanga Highveld, central-southern Limpopo, eastern parts of the Free State and North West, and most of KwaZulu-Natal.
SAWS warned that the storms could result in “flooding and damage to settlements or property”, while strong winds and large amounts of small hail could cause localised disruptions to electricity supplies and communications.
Yellow level 4 warning: Severe thunderstorms
Affected area: Gauteng, Limpopo & Mpumalanga.
Validity period: 4 – 5 November 2026.
#saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather https://t.co/FSjRAp4jZS— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 4, 2026
A lower-level yellow Level 2 warning covers parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Free State and the northern interior of the Eastern Cape, where localised flooding, hail, wind damage and infrastructure disruption are also possible.
Temperatures could reach 38°C in parts of Limpopo, while hot and humid conditions are expected in eastern KwaZulu-Natal. The publication said Musina and other parts of Limpopo could experience particularly intense heat, with temperatures forecast to climb even higher on Friday.
Extremely high fire-danger conditions are also expected in parts of the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
SAWS has further warned of damaging interior winds in parts of the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, which could affect transport routes and pose problems for high-sided vehicles.
Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain alert to changing weather conditions, avoid crossing flooded roads and streams, and take precautions during thunderstorms and periods of extreme heat.
The latest warnings highlight the increasingly volatile weather pattern across South Africa, with communities facing both severe storm risks and dangerous heat conditions on the same day.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
