Severe thunderstorms expected across parts of the central interior

The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over the central interior of the country.

The warning covers North West, Gauteng, the Highveld in Mpumalanga, southwestern Limpopo, northern Free State and the extreme northeastern parts of the Northern Cape.

According to Saws, conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that could produce heavy downpours, strong damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning.

Yellow level 2 warning: Severe thunderstorms Affected area: Central interior of the RSA. Validity period: 29 September 2026.#saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/xHnlkCvGnf— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) September 28, 2026

There is also a possibility this could lead to localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.

In Gauteng, conditions are expected to be cloudy and cold, but cool in the extreme north with scattered showers and thundershowers, while Mpumalanga is expected to be cloudy and cold with scattered showers and thundershowers, though these will be isolated in the northern Lowveld.

In Limpopo, isolated showers and thundershowers are expected, becoming scattered over the southwestern and south-central parts.

The North West is expected to be cloudy, windy and cool with scattered showers and thundershowers, while the Free State will be cold in the east and otherwise cloudy and cool, with isolated showers and thundershowers becoming scattered in the north.

Saws said the Northern Cape is expected to be fine and warm, but partly cloudy in the east with isolated showers and thundershowers.