Weather alert: Damaging coastal winds, scorching Mpumalanga heat and fire danger

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several warnings for Tuesday, 16 September 2025, highlighting damaging winds along the coast, soaring temperatures in Mpumalanga, and high fire danger across much of the country. While Gauteng residents can expect warm, sunny skies, authorities stress that conditions elsewhere remain severe and demand caution.

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Impact-based warnings

A yellow level 4 warning is in effect for coastal winds between Plettenberg Bay and Algoa Bay. These powerful gusts threaten to disrupt harbour operations, complicate sea travel, and knock out power and communication networks. They also heighten the risk of runaway fires in regions where dry vegetation fuels potential flare-ups.

SAWS has also flagged yellow level 2 warnings for:

• Coastal winds – capable of damaging temporary infrastructure and disrupting activity at small harbours.
• Damaging waves – a real hazard for small boats, with risks of water ingress and capsizing.
• Interior winds – strong enough to damage settlements and create dangerous driving conditions, particularly for high-sided vehicles on exposed roads.

“Residents along the coast and motorists using national routes should brace for sudden changes in conditions and adjust their plans accordingly,” SAWS officials said.

Fire danger alerts

Firefighters are on high alert as very high fire danger has been forecast for the north and north-eastern parts of the country. With dry veld and strong winds combining, even the smallest spark could spread into a large, fast-moving fire.

Communities in fire-prone areas have been urged to act responsibly. Avoid open flames, extinguish cigarettes properly, and report any sign of veld fires immediately to local disaster management units.

Mpumalanga braces for extreme heat

In Mpumalanga, residents face scorching heat in the Lowveld, where temperatures are expected to reach extreme highs. Health authorities are calling on communities to prioritise safety.

“Such weather puts enormous pressure on our health facilities,” a provincial health spokesperson warned. “Cases of heat stroke and dehydration rise sharply in these conditions, so people must stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun, and keep children and the elderly protected.”

Provincial weather forecast – Tuesday, 16 September

• Gauteng: Fine and warm, becoming hot in the north. The UVB sunburn index is extremely high, so residents should use sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Mpumalanga: Fine in the morning, becoming partly cloudy and hot to extremely hot in the Lowveld.
• Limpopo: Hot to extremely hot, with some cloud development in the far south later in the afternoon.
• North West: Warm and fine, but hotter in the northwest.
• Free State: Mostly fine and cool, warming up in the north.
• Northern Cape: Partly cloudy with light rain in the southwest where it will be cold; windy, cool to warm elsewhere.
• Western Cape: Partly cloudy and cold to cool with light rain, except in the northeast. Skies should clear from the west by afternoon.
• Eastern Cape (western half): Cloudy along the coast and interior with scattered showers; partly cloudy and cool elsewhere, fine in the north.
• Eastern Cape (eastern half): Partly cloudy, windy, and cool.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Fine and warm in the morning, turning partly cloudy later. Isolated showers are expected in the north and east. The UVB index is very high.

Staying safe in unstable conditions

With dangerous winds, fire hazards, and extreme heat converging, SAWS has urged South Africans to take warnings seriously. Disaster management teams remain on standby to respond where needed.

Even in Gauteng, where skies will remain largely clear, residents planning to travel to neighbouring provinces are advised to check alerts regularly and adjust their schedules.

“Weather warnings are not just forecasts – they are life-saving advisories,” SAWS emphasised.

As winds strengthen and temperatures climb, simple precautions can make a difference: drink water regularly, limit unnecessary travel in high-wind areas, and secure your property against fire risks.