South Africa sees a mixed bag of weather this Saturday, with the interior bearing the brunt of unsettled conditions as showers and thundershowers roll across Bloemfontein and Kimberley, while Durban and Mbombela can expect some slight rain. Cape Town enjoys the pick of the day with clear skies and a pleasant high of 24C, and Johannesburg, Polokwane and Mahikeng see a mix of sun and cloud. Do keep an eye on the skies, as the South African Weather Service has issued several warnings for severe thunderstorms today, so it is wise to stay weather-aware if you are out and about.
🎬 7-Day Weather Forecast Video
⚠️ Weather Warnings
Severe Thunderstorms (Warning Level 5), valid until 14:59 on 19 September.
Areas: Postmasburg, De Aar, Griquastad, Groblershoop, Prieska, Kathu, Warrenton, Hopetown, Kimberley, Daniëlskuil, Upington, Petrusville and 6 more areas.
- Flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, resulting in closure of some bridges and roads.
- Damages or loss of infrastructure, settlements, vehicles, livelihood and livestock.
- Danger to life (fast flowing streams / deep water).
- Disruption to municipal and other essential services.
- Disruption and loss of agricultural activities.
- Major travel disruptions.
Load WeatherSmart APP, scroll to last page and use two fingers to navigate storm tracking application. If possible stay indoors away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are a good conductor of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours that can accompany the storms. Keep an eye on the SAWS website for any updates regarding severe thunderstorm development and movement.
Damaging Winds (Warning Level 2), from 06:00 on Saturday 19 September, valid until 14:59 on 19 September.
Areas: Schweizer-Reneke, Mafikeng, Groblershoop, Ratlou, Prieska, Kathu, Augrabies Falls, Hotazel, Tosca, Upington, Zeerust, Ottosdal and 4 more areas.
- Localised damage to informal settlements.
- Risk of runaway fires.
- Localised power and communication interruptions.
- Localised damage to temporary structures (e.g tents).
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.
The South African Government (@GovernmentZA) also posted: “🌦️ WEATHER FORECAST | 19 SEPTEMBER 2026 Partly cloudy and cold to cool conditions are expected tomorrow, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, becoming widespread in some areas. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution during periods of”
Damaging Winds (Warning Level 2), from 04:17 on Saturday 19 September, valid until 12:59 on 19 September.
Areas: Garies, Pofadder, Springbok, Worcester, Prince Albert, Paarl, Redelinghuys, Alexanderbaai, Ceres, Robertson, Calvinia, Beaufort West and 8 more areas.
- Localised damage to settlements (formal and informal) and temporary structures.
- Some transport routes and travel services will be affected by wind while some journeys may require longer travel times.
- Localised problems for high-sided vehicles on prone routes due to cross winds on exposed roads (such as parts of the N1)
- Isolated incidents of uprooted trees
Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.
Severe Thunderstorms (Warning Level 2), valid until 14:59 on 19 September.
Areas: Schweizer-Reneke, Aliwal North, Augrabies Falls, Bloemhof, Bloemfontein Airport, Fauresmith, Hotazel, Victoria West, Wepener, Tosca, Noupoort, Dealesville and 2 more areas.
- Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock.
- Localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.
- Failing trees blocking minor roads.
- Localised fire incidents.
If possible stay indoors away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are a good conductor of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours can accompany the storms.
Weather Advisories
Impact-Based Warnings
- Orange Level 5 Warning: Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours and with a possibility of damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail, leading to injuries and danger to life, as well as flooding and motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads and/reduced visibility is expected over the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape and the extreme western parts of the Free State.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours and with a possibility of damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail, leading to localised flooding is expected over the western parts of the Free State, extreme western parts of the North West, and the central parts of the Northern Cape.
- 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.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Damaging Winds resulting in localised damage to settlements, localised interruption to power and communications and difficult driving conditions is expected over Northern Cape except in the south-east, the western and northern parts of the Western Cape as well as the western parts of the North West.
Fire Danger Warnings
- Extremely high fire danger is expected over the western Bushveld in Limpopo.
Moon Phase
🌓 Moon phase: First Quarter: half the Moon is lit and growing – the halfway climb to full, associated with decision-making and momentum.
The Moon is about 49% illuminated tonight, on day 7.3 of its 29.5-day cycle. It rises at 11:42 and sets at 02:07 (SAST). Next full moon: Saturday 26 September · next new moon: Sunday 11 October.
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From the Weather Community
Forecast data: South African Weather Service (weathersa.co.za) and various 3rd party providers and AI Tools.