Overview
- Yellow Level 2 severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect today for parts of the central and south‑eastern North West, the central and eastern Free State, and the western interior of KwaZulu‑Natal.
- SAWS says storms could bring localized flooding of roads and low‑lying areas, small hail, excessive lightning, and strong damaging winds in the warned zones.
- A persistent heatwave is forecast to last through at least Friday 30 January, with interior highs in the upper 30s and about 40°C in places such as Upington.
- Extremely high fire danger is flagged for western and central regions as well as central KwaZulu‑Natal, and authorities urge hydration, sun protection, and care for vulnerable people.
- A Yellow Level 1 coastal alert is posted from Mazeppa Bay to Port Edward for damaging winds and waves, with afternoon thunderstorms generally isolated to scattered and rain chances near 30% rising locally toward 60%.