As rain clouds gather over South Africa, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple warnings for disruptive rainfall and severe thunderstorms across various regions. On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, isolated to scattered showers are anticipated throughout the eastern and western parts of the country, with significant rainfall expected in the eastern Lowveld and the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
According to SAWS, there is a 60% chance of showers in these areas, particularly affecting towns such as Mbombela, Ermelo, and Richards Bay, which may experience persistent rainfall throughout the day. Meanwhile, the central and western interior, including Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and Johannesburg, is expected to remain dry with no rainfall predicted.
A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall has been issued for the northeastern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, especially around Richards Bay. The weather service warns of potential localized flooding of roads and informal settlements, difficult driving conditions, and possible damage to infrastructure.
As the week progresses, conditions are set to intensify. On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, widespread and scattered rainfall is expected to affect a large swathe of the central and southern interior. Areas including Graaff-Reinet, Oudtshoorn, Beaufort West, and parts of the Eastern Cape can expect up to an 80% chance of rain. The Western Cape will also see increased rainfall, particularly over the Overberg and Garden Route regions, while lighter rainfall is anticipated along the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal during the early morning hours.
On the same day, a Yellow Level 1 warning will be in effect for severe thunderstorms over the central parts of the Northern Cape and southern Free State. Residents are advised to prepare for heavy downpours, possible localized flooding, damaging winds, hail, and frequent lightning.
"The public should remain alert, avoid low-lying bridges, and secure outdoor items that could be damaged by strong gusts," SAWS cautioned in their advisory.
In the broader context, the weather forecast for April 30 reveals varied conditions across South Africa. Residents of Gauteng can expect partly cloudy and cool weather, with warmer conditions in the extreme north. Mpumalanga will see morning fog along the escarpment, but otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated showers in the east.
Limpopo will start the day with morning fog along the escarpment, transitioning to partly cloudy and cool to warm conditions. The North West province is predicted to be partly cloudy, windy, and cool to warm, with isolated showers and thundershowers over the western parts.
In the Free State, partly cloudy and windy conditions will prevail, with isolated showers and thundershowers expected over the western areas. Meanwhile, the Northern Cape will experience morning fog along the coast, followed by partly cloudy to cloudy conditions. Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are anticipated, particularly in the central and southern parts of the province.
Residents of the Western Cape should prepare for cool to cold and cloudy weather with isolated showers and rain, especially over central and eastern areas. The expected UVB sunburn index is high, prompting residents to take precautions against prolonged sun exposure.
In the Eastern Cape, cloudy and cool conditions will be the norm, with scattered showers and rain, particularly widespread in the extreme west. Thundershowers are also expected in the north of the province.
As for KwaZulu-Natal, residents can expect morning fog patches over the interior, transitioning to partly cloudy and cool to warm weather with isolated showers and thundershowers, except in the northwestern parts. In the northeast, cloudy conditions with morning showers and rain are anticipated.
Overall, the weather forecast indicates a significant shift in conditions across South Africa, with the potential for heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms raising concerns for both travel and agriculture. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take the necessary precautions as the weather evolves.
