South Africa weather update: Severe thunderstorms, heat waves, and fire alerts expected this week — check your area
Weekend weather in South Africa: Cold mornings, mild sunshine ahead. Photo: Sandiso Phaliso
South Africans are being urged to brace for a mix of extreme weather conditions this week, as multiple warnings and advisories have been issued across the country. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has highlighted severe thunderstorms, high UV exposure, heat waves, and extreme fire danger affecting several provinces until next Thursday, January 30, 2026.
Severe Weather and Thunderstorm Alerts
A Yellow Level 2 Warning is currently in effect for severe thunderstorms in parts of the North-West, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal. Residents in these areas should anticipate localized flooding, especially on vulnerable roads, bridges, and low-lying areas. Storms may also bring large hail and damaging winds, potentially impacting infrastructure. The warning emphasizes caution for anyone traveling or staying in these regions.
Fire Danger Warnings
Fire authorities have issued alerts for central and eastern areas of the Northern Cape, where extremely high fire danger is expected. Residents and landowners in these areas are advised to exercise extreme caution and adhere to local fire regulations, particularly given the high temperatures forecasted for the coming days.
Heat Wave and High UV Exposure
Heat waves with persistently high temperatures are expected across parts of the Eastern Cape, including Sarah Baartman, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, and Amathole District Municipalities until Thursday, January 29. Other regions, such as much of the Northern Cape, Free State, and southern parts of the North West, are likely to experience extremely uncomfortable hot conditions until Friday, January 30.
Residents are also warned of high to very high UVB radiation levels, increasing the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Proper precautions, including wearing sunscreen, hats, and staying hydrated, are strongly recommended.
Province-Specific Forecasts
Gauteng: Expect partly cloudy skies with warm to hot temperatures. Afternoon isolated showers and thundershowers are likely. The UVB Sunburn Index is High.
Mpumalanga: Morning fog and drizzle along the escarpment; otherwise, partly cloudy, warm to hot with isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers (except Lowveld areas).
Limpopo: Morning drizzle along the escarpment, then partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated thundershowers in the southern regions.
North West: Fine and sunny early, becoming partly cloudy and hot to very hot with afternoon isolated showers and thundershowers.
Free State: Fine and hot to very hot, with scattered isolated showers and thundershowers in the east later in the day.
Northern Cape: Morning coastal fog clearing by afternoon; otherwise, partly cloudy and hot with isolated afternoon thundershowers in the east. Coastal winds will shift from fresh southerly to strong south-easterly in the afternoon.
Western Cape: Fog along the west coast clearing by afternoon. Interior regions will be fine and hot, while extreme north-eastern parts may see isolated showers and thundershowers. Coastal winds range from light to fresh south-westerly. UVB Sunburn Index: Very High.
Eastern Cape: Western regions: partly cloudy, hot to very hot, with scattered isolated showers and thundershowers. Eastern regions: partly cloudy, hot to very hot with scattered showers; winds along the coast moderate to fresh from varying directions.
KwaZulu-Natal: Morning fog in northern and south-eastern areas. Elsewhere, partly cloudy and warm to hot; isolated showers and thundershowers scattered in the south-west. Coastal winds moderate to fresh north-easterly, turning light to moderate southerly/south-easterly in the south by early morning. UVB Sunburn Index: High.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which provinces are under severe weather warnings this week?
A: North-West, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal are under Yellow Level 2 warnings for thunderstorms.
Q: Where is fire danger extremely high?
A: Central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape are under extremely high fire danger warnings.
Q: How long will the heat wave last?
A: Heat waves are expected in parts of the Eastern Cape until January 29, 2026.
Q: Are there UVB warnings?
A: Yes, UVB exposure is high to very high in several provinces, including Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Q: What precautions should residents take?
A: Stay hydrated, avoid direct sun during peak hours, use sunscreen, monitor storm warnings, and follow fire safety advisories.
