South Africa weather report: Saturday, 10 October 2026
The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday. The warning is valid from 1pm to 10.59pm.
The storms may bring heavy downpours, hail, damaging winds and lightning, with a risk of localised flooding on roads, in low-lying areas and at bridges. Damage to property, infrastructure, vehicles and livestock is also possible. The Highveld of Mpumalanga and north-western KwaZulu-Natal are among the areas most at risk.
Provincial forecast
Mpumalanga: Partly cloudy and warm, becoming unsettled with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers. Rainfall probabilities reach 60% in parts, especially over the Highveld, where storms may become severe in the afternoon and evening. The Lowveld will be hot in places, with morning fog patches over the east.
KwaZulu-Natal: Hot to very hot at first, becoming cloudier with afternoon showers and thundershowers. Rainfall probabilities are 60% in the north-west and 30% elsewhere. Severe storms in the north-west may produce heavy rain, hail, damaging winds and lightning.
Gauteng: Partly cloudy and warm to hot, with isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers. The chance of rain is 30%, with stronger storms possible in the east, including the extreme eastern parts of the province. The UVB sunburn index is high.
North West and Free State: Fine at first, becoming partly cloudy and warm to hot. Isolated showers and thundershowers may develop later, with a 30% chance of rain in both provinces.
Eastern Cape: Showers and thundershowers are expected over the interior, with rainfall probabilities of 30% to 60%. Isolated to scattered storms are forecast over the northern and eastern interior. The southern coastline will be cloudy and cool, with morning fog and drizzle possible south of the escarpment.
Limpopo: Partly cloudy and warm to hot, becoming very hot in places. Isolated showers and thundershowers are possible over the south, with a 30% chance of rain. Much of the northern interior is expected to remain dry. Extremely high fire danger is forecast in places.
Northern Cape: Warm to hot, with isolated thunderstorms possible over parts of the interior and a 30% chance of rain. Coastal areas will be cooler, with fresh to strong south to south-easterly winds at times in the afternoon. Extremely high fire danger is forecast in parts of the province.
Western Cape: Fine to partly cloudy across most areas. The Overberg will be cloudy in the morning, while hot conditions are expected in the north-west and eastern interior. Coastal winds will strengthen during the afternoon. The UVB sunburn index is very high.
Outlook for Sunday, 11 October
Unsettled conditions are expected to continue, with thunderstorms possible over parts of the central and eastern regions. The eastern interior of the Eastern Cape has a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers. Gauteng, North West and parts of the Northern Cape have a 30% chance of afternoon rain.
Cooler weather is expected over parts of the Eastern Cape and southern interior, while warm to hot conditions will persist in parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the western interior. The Western Cape is expected to remain mostly dry, with cooler conditions along the coast.
Advisory
Motorists should avoid crossing flooded roads and bridges. During thunderstorms, seek safe shelter and stay away from exposed areas because of lightning. Follow SAWS updates as conditions develop.
