The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 yellow warning for severe thunderstorms expected to hit parts of the Free State and Eastern Cape on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. This warning highlights the risk of heavy downpours, localised flooding, small hail, and excessive lightning. According to SAWS, the most intense activity is anticipated in the central interior, particularly in Bloemfontein, Bethlehem, and Aliwal North, where heavy rainfall could lead to significant disruptions.
The Free State is under the highest alert, with the potential for severe impacts due to excessive lightning and hail. A Level 2 alert has also been issued for surrounding areas, including parts of the Northern Cape, North West, and interior Eastern Cape, where localised flooding and hail are still expected. Meanwhile, a Level 1 warning covers parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with storms bringing damaging winds and early morning downpours.
Rainfall forecasts indicate widespread showers with up to an 80% probability across central and eastern regions, while scattered to isolated storms are expected to spread westwards. The Western Cape and far northern Limpopo are likely to remain dry, providing a stark contrast to the anticipated conditions elsewhere.
Wind forecasts show strong gusts up to 40 km/h along coastal regions, particularly the southern coastline and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which could exacerbate already wet conditions. The public is urged to take precautions, avoid low-lying roads, and remain alert for updates. SAWS advises staying indoors during lightning activity and exercising caution on the roads as conditions may deteriorate quickly.
In Gauteng, residents have been warned to brace for severe thunderstorms on the same day. According to regional forecaster Gauteng Weather, the province will experience severe thunderstorms resulting in heavy downpours and possible flooding in several areas. The adverse weather conditions coincide with many residents returning to Gauteng after the Easter weekend break.
“Alert: The SA Weather Service has issued a warning for the possibility of severe thunderstorms in central and Southern Gauteng on Wednesday,” Gauteng Weather stated. Residents can expect warm weather conditions in the north, while the rest of the province will be cloudy and cool with scattered showers and thundershowers.
Additionally, a cut-off low (COL) system is expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa on Wednesday, moving slowly eastwards and likely exiting the country by Saturday, April 26, 2025. Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are anticipated over the central and eastern parts of the country, with rainfall accumulations exceeding 50 mm in the eastern regions on Wednesday and Thursday.
The weather service has also warned of severe thunderstorms that could lead to flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods, and livestock, particularly in the Free State and North West. There is a distinct possibility of damaging hail associated with these thunderstorms.
Snowfalls are also likely over the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape during this period. Furthermore, daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly from Wednesday onwards across most parts of the country, with a gradual recovery expected from Friday, April 25, 2025.
As the weather system progresses, various provinces are bracing for adverse conditions. The SAWS has issued multiple impact-based warnings, including an Orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms that could cause heavy downpours leading to flooding of roads and bridges, damage to property and infrastructure, as well as agricultural activities expected over the eastern parts of Free State.
A Yellow Level 4 warning indicates severe thunderstorms resulting in heavy downpours leading to localised flooding of roads and bridges, large amounts of small hail, and excessive lightning are expected over the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, extreme southern Highveld of Mpumalanga, and Gauteng.
Additionally, a Yellow Level 2 warning covers severe thunderstorms leading to localised damage to settlements and flooding in susceptible areas over the northeastern parts of the Northern Cape, Free State, and North West. A Yellow Level 1 warning is also in effect for the northeastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where severe thunderstorms with possible strong winds, heavy downpours, and hail are expected in the early morning hours.
Cold and wet conditions are forecast over the central and western parts of KwaZulu-Natal until Thursday, April 24, 2025, with very cold temperatures anticipated in the southwestern high grounds where light snowfall is possible.
In Gauteng, the weather will vary, with a warm day expected in the north contrasted by cloudy and cool conditions in the south where scattered showers and thundershowers will become widespread. Pretoria is expected to see temperatures between 14°C and 23°C, while Johannesburg may range from 13°C to 21°C.
In Mpumalanga, morning fog may reduce visibility during early travel hours, with cloudy and cool conditions prevailing. Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected, becoming widespread in the southwest. For those in the Lowveld, slightly warmer conditions can be anticipated.
Limpopo will experience a cloudy and warm day, with isolated showers and thundershowers scattered across the province, particularly in the extreme southwest. North West will see cloudy skies with cool to warm conditions, and scattered showers and thundershowers expected throughout, becoming widespread in the central and southern regions.
In the Free State, cloudy and cool conditions are expected, with scattered showers and thundershowers throughout the province. Heavier rainfall is anticipated in the east, particularly in Bloemfontein, which is forecasted to see temperatures between 13°C and 18°C.
The Northern Cape will experience morning fog patches along the coast, with cool to cold temperatures dominating most regions. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected in central parts and scattered ones in the east, while warmer conditions may prevail in the north.
In the Western Cape, fog patches are likely along the West Coast in the morning, with cloudy to partly cloudy conditions expected throughout the day. Isolated showers and thundershowers are predicted over the northeastern parts of the province.
As South Africans brace for these severe weather conditions, it is crucial to remain informed and prepared. The SAWS continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary.
