Severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours are expected to impact several provinces in South Africa on March 26, 2026. The South African Weather Service has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, and Free State.
Localised flooding may occur in low-lying areas, as well as on susceptible roads and bridges due to the anticipated heavy downpours. Hot and humid weather is also expected over the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with maximum temperatures reaching 32°C in Richards Bay.
In addition to the severe weather warnings, morning fog patches are predicted across various regions of the country. Gauteng can expect isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers, while Mpumalanga will experience cloudy skies with similar weather patterns.
Limpopo is forecasted to have isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers, particularly in its central and southern parts. North West will see isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers scattered in the south-west, and the Free State is expected to have scattered afternoon showers, with isolated occurrences in the north.
The Northern Cape will experience scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers in its eastern regions. Meanwhile, the Western Cape is expected to have isolated showers and thundershowers over the Beaufort West municipality in the afternoon.
Maximum temperatures across various cities are projected to be 30°C in Pretoria, 28°C in Johannesburg, and 30°C in Mbombela. Polokwane is expected to reach 28°C, while Mahikeng could see a high of 29°C, and Bloemfontein is forecasted to have a maximum of 25°C.
As the situation develops, observers are closely monitoring the weather patterns and potential impacts on local communities. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of the flooding and other weather-related disruptions.
