The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for severe thunderstorms in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, with risks of flooding expected to continue into Monday. Similar alerts are in place for KwaZulu-Natal, prompting heightened preparedness in affected areas.
On January 10, 2026, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) announced an Orange Level 6 warning for severe thunderstorms affecting the Lowveld and escarpment areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. These conditions, forecasted for Sunday and persisting into Monday, include cloudy skies with widespread showers and thundershowers, potentially leading to significant rainfall and flooding.
Level 6 warnings indicate a high chance of substantial impacts, as noted by SAWS. In KwaZulu-Natal, a Level 5 warning covers the extreme northeast, while a Level 4 alert applies to other northeastern regions. Heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, are predicted for northern areas such as Jozini, Mtubatuba, Nongoma, and uPhongolo, where rainfall could surpass 100 mm in isolated spots.
In response, KwaZulu-Natal's disaster management teams have been placed on high alert. Cooperative Governance MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi established a joint operations centre involving emergency services, disaster teams, Eskom, and Sanral to monitor flooding-prone areas and infrastructure. "Teams will closely monitor areas prone to flooding and infrastructure damage," Buthelezi stated.
Residents across these provinces are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions amid the adverse weather.
