The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has sounded the alarm for Tuesday, 30 September 2025. Torrential rains are expected to hit Limpopo, bringing the risk of flooding, while residents in the Northern and Western Cape will face blistering heat that could trigger dangerous veld fires. These warnings highlight how sharply South Africa’s climate can swing — with some provinces bracing for floods and others preparing for record-breaking temperatures.
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Weather warnings for Tuesday, 30 September
Impact-based warnings
SAWS has issued a yellow level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall over northern Limpopo. Officials cautioned that formal and informal settlements could flood, low-lying roads may become impassable, and rivers could swell dangerously. Motorists should prepare for slippery conditions and limited visibility that could spark accidents.
Fire danger warnings
Communities in the western stretches of the Western Cape and Northern Cape face very high fire danger conditions. Dry winds combined with soaring heat make veld fires a serious risk. Authorities urged residents to put safety first: skip the braais in dry grassy areas, avoid open flames, and steer clear of any activity that might ignite a blaze.
Heat advisories
The western parts of both provinces are expected to bake under extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions. Health experts recommend drinking plenty of water, avoiding the midday sun, and monitoring vulnerable people — especially children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses — for signs of heat exhaustion.
Adding to the challenges, strong north-westerly winds are forecast on Wednesday across the central Northern Cape, the eastern Western Cape, and parts of the Eastern Cape interior. These winds could intensify the fire risk and spread heat further inland.
Provincial weather forecast
Gauteng
Fog patches will form in the south during the morning before giving way to a cloudy and cool day. Skies in the south-west will be partly cloudy.
Mpumalanga
Fog is expected along the escarpment early on. Later, the province will remain cloudy and cool to cold, with isolated showers and thundershowers possible.
Limpopo
Fog will linger along the escarpment. Conditions will stay cloudy and cool to warm, with isolated showers and thundershowers. In the far north, rainfall will be heavier, increasing the likelihood of flooding.
North West
Fog patches in the east will clear by midday. Residents can expect partly cloudy skies and cool to warm conditions. Showers and thundershowers will develop in the east during the afternoon.
Free State
Morning fog patches will settle over the east. The day will remain cloudy and cool there, while the rest of the province will be cool to warm with scattered showers and thundershowers.
Northern Cape
Fog will form over the south in the morning. Elsewhere, the day will be fine, windy, and warm. Western regions will face severe heat.
Western Cape
Fine and warm to hot conditions will dominate, turning very hot to extremely hot along the West Coast District. The UVB sunburn index has been rated “very high”, meaning sunburn can occur quickly. Sun protection is essential.
Eastern Cape (western half)
Morning fog will cover parts of the interior, but conditions will clear into a fine, cool to warm day.
Eastern Cape (eastern half)
Interior areas will wake to fog before skies turn partly cloudy and cool to cold. Light rain is likely along the Wild Coast.
KwaZulu-Natal
Cool to cold, cloudy weather will dominate. Isolated showers will fall inland, while scattered rain is expected along the coast.
Safety tips for residents
- Limpopo: Stay away from flooded roads and low bridges. If possible, delay travel until conditions improve.
- Northern & Western Cape: Beat the heat with plenty of fluids, light clothing, and reduced outdoor activity. Check on vulnerable groups, including pets.
- Fire safety: Report veld fires immediately to local emergency services. Avoid discarding cigarette butts and lighting fires in the open.
South Africa once again finds itself caught between two extremes: torrential rains in the north and relentless heat in the west. Authorities stress that residents should not take these warnings lightly. By staying alert and following safety guidelines, communities can reduce the risks posed by the country’s ever-shifting climate.