SAWS Issues Yellow Level Warning for Thunderstorms Across South Africa

• The South African Weather Service warned that parts of the country will experience severe thunderstorms, leading to heavy rainfall
• Yellow Level warnings have been issued for most of the country, as provinces will expect heavy rain leading to flooding in some parts
• The conditions are expected to continue throughout the country as summer kicks in and the festive season begins

For seven years, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of Current Affairs, South Africa, covered a range of topics, including accidents, fires, outbreaks, nature, weather, and natural disaster-related incidents, at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

GAUTENG — Much of the country is expected to experience a continuation of the downpour provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal experienced in November 2025.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), Yellow Level warnings have been issued for KwaZulu-Natal, parts of the Eastern Cape and the Free State, parts of the North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng. A Yellow Level 4 Warning was issued for Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and parts of the North West. These areas will experience heavy downpours and localised flooding of susceptible roads. Strong damaging winds will accompany large amounts of small hail and lightning.

Read also

Mpumalanga bus crash claims five lives, at least 26 people injured after vehicle overturns on R33

Yellow Level warnings for provinces

SAWS issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for KwaZulu-Natal, parts of the Eastern Cape, parts of the North West and the Free State, and parts of Limpopo. Heavy downpours, localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges are expected as the downpour will be accompanied by hail, lightning, and damaging winds.

Heavy rainfall in Durban

Residents of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal experienced heavy rainfall on 2 December 2025, leading to fears of localised flooding. This was after SAWS issued the Yellow Level Warning for heavy rainfall in Durban.

Festive season weather conditions

The weather during the festive season, beginning in late November, has been stormy and extreme. Four provinces experienced Yellow Level 2 Warning weather conditions during the weekend of the G20 Summit on 22 and 23 November 2025. Parts of the North West experienced a 60% chance of rainfall, and localised flooding also struck parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Read also

Hailstorms batter Pretoria and KZN Midlands as ice blankets roads and causes infrastructure damage

A tornado struck Heilbron in the Free State on 24 November as the weather conditions persisted. The tornado was seen on a farm as the region experienced high winds and speeds. The tornado formed after moisture and convergence combined to form a supercell.

What did South Africans say?

South Africans were not eager for it to rain.

Sage Innocent Mqwathi said:

"Even 60% feels like an 80% nowadays."

Phoomie Nks said:

"This is enough now."

Abuti Smaka said:

"We've been saying that we've had enough of this rain, no man."

Jeremy said:

"There are always severe thunderstorms in KZN."

Tshego Molokele said:

"An entire month of rain."

KZN, Eastern Cape on high alert

In a related article, Briefly News reported that KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape were on high alert as SAWS issued a Yellow Level 4 warning on 27 November. Disaster management teams were on high alert in a certain municipality.

SAWS urged residents in the affected area to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded roads. Residents were also advised to monitor updates to remain safe.

advised

Source: Briefly News