Severe thunderstorms threaten Northern Cape and North West
Flooding, damaging wind, hail and lightning are possible across parts of the central interior on Saturday, while strong coastal conditions threaten small craft and harbour activity.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued impact-based warnings for Saturday, 5 September 2026, as a cut-off low continues moving east across the country.
Orange warning for the Northern Cape
An Orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms applies to central parts of the Northern Cape. SAWS says storms may flood susceptible settlements and roads, while gusty winds and hail could damage structures, bring down trees and interrupt municipal services. Frequent lightning presents an additional risk.
A wider Yellow Level 4 warning covers central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape and the extreme west of North West. A Yellow Level 2 warning extends across the Free State and most of North West, where localised wind and hail damage, falling trees and lightning-related fires are possible. These are active warnings, not watches: hazardous conditions are forecast within the stated areas, although impacts will vary locally.
Wind and waves on both coasts
A Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging wind and waves applies between Richards Bay and Kosi Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, with difficult navigation and possible disruption at ports or harbours. Another Yellow Level 2 wind warning applies between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas. Mariners and operators of small craft should check local conditions before departure and avoid unnecessary exposure in rough seas.
Gauteng is forecast to be cloudy and cool with scattered showers and thundershowers. Mpumalanga and Limpopo may see morning fog near the escarpment, followed by isolated storms. The Eastern Cape should remain cloudy and cool with areas of light rain, while KwaZulu-Natal faces a cold-to-cool day with isolated showers and rain. The detailed provincial outlook was also reported by The Citizen from the SAWS forecast.
What to expect on Sunday
For Sunday, 6 September, SAWS’s national outlook indicates partly cloudy and cold-to-cool conditions with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers. Warning levels can be revised as the system moves, so residents should treat Saturday’s district-level alerts separately from Sunday’s broader outlook.
Motorists should not attempt to cross flooded roads, should slow down in heavy rain and keep extra following distance. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, unplug sensitive equipment during electrical storms and avoid trees, exposed high ground and metal structures when lightning is nearby.
Image: Non-documentary editorial illustration generated for Umma Media. Suggested alt text: Storm clouds, rain and rough coastal seas in a neutral South African weather illustration.
Forecast verification: South African Weather Service forecasts and warnings, corroborated by The Citizen.
