A wet and cool weekend is on the cards across KwaZulu-Natal, so keep the umbrella close. On Saturday, Durban sits at a chilly 16 to 20C with showers and thundershowers, while Pietermaritzburg reaches 19C and Newcastle 18C, both with the same unsettled mix. Richards Bay stays the warmest at 24C. Sunday warms up a touch as Durban climbs to 17 to 22C, Pietermaritzburg lifts to 24C and Richards Bay to 27C, but the showers and thundershowers stick around right through.
Do take note of the disruptive rain warnings for eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni and Maphumulo, so allow extra travel time and steer clear of low-lying crossings. If you are heading through Durban or the coast this weekend, plan for wet roads and pack a raincoat.
Warnings and Advisories for KwaZulu-Natal
– Flooding of roads, bridges and settlements (formal and informal) – Danger to life (fast flowing streams/deep waters) – Major disruption of traffic flow due to major roads being flooded – Disruption to essential services (Water, electricity, communication, etc). – Damage to mud-based houses.
What to do: If possible avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground.
– Major disruption of traffic flow due to major roads being flooded or closed. – Damage to property, infrastructure, loss of livelihood and livestock. – Danger to life (fast flowing streams / deep water). – Displacement of affected communities. – Some communities temporarily not accessible/cut-off.
What to do: Take caution or avoid traveling on bridges and roads in low lying areas as these may be susceptible to flooding and there may be sinkholes.
Localised damage to informal settlements. Risk of runaway fires. Localised power and communication interruptions. Localised damage to temporary structures (e.g tents).
What to do: Take extra caution when driving, particularly high sided vehicles due to cross winds. Remove loose debris from open areas as it may be blown away. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. If possible, avoid erecting temporary structures during this period.
Yellow Level 2 Warning: Disruptive rain resulting in localised flooding of settlements, roads and low-lying bridges, localised disruptions to power supply and communications as well as minor motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads and/reduced visibility is expected along KwaZulu-Natal coast in the morning.
Weekend Weather Forecast: Durban
| Day | Conditions | High / Low | Rain | Wind | Tides | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 19 Sep | Showers and Thundershowers | 20° 16° | 60% | ENE 5.0 km/h | L 00:53 · H 07:00 · L 13:00 · H 19:10 | |
| Sunday 20 Sep | Showers and Thundershowers | 22° 17° | 30% | NNE 10.0 km/h | L 02:50 · H 12:00 · L 18:30 |
More weather forecasts for KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg
| Day | Conditions | High / Low | Rain | Wind | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 19 Sep | Showers and Thundershowers | 19° 10° | 30% | ENE 5.0 km/h | |
| Sunday 20 Sep | Showers and Thundershowers | 24° 11° | 30% | N 5.0 km/h |
Richards Bay
| Day | Conditions | High / Low | Rain | Wind | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 19 Sep | Showers and Thundershowers | 24° 16° | 60% | SSW 5.0 km/h | |
| Sunday 20 Sep | Showers and Thundershowers | 27° 16° | 30% | ENE 5.0 km/h |
Newcastle
| Day | Conditions | High / Low | Rain | Wind | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 19 Sep | Showers and Thundershowers | 18° 10° | 30% | ESE 5.0 km/h | |
| Sunday 20 Sep | Showers and Thundershowers | 23° 10° | 30% | ENE 5.0 km/h |
Forecast data: South African Weather Service (weathersa.co.za) and various 3rd party providers and AI Tools.