WEATHER: Hail and heavy downpours for Ladysmith and Stanger on Wednesday

Areas: Prieska, Augrabies Falls, Victoria West, Noupoort, Twee Rivieren, VanWyksvlei, Thohoyandou, Musina, Alldays.

• Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

What to do: All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called for without delay.

Areas: Escourt, Ekuvukeni, Ladysmith, King Shaka Airport, Goodhom, Stanger, Mandini, Maphumulo, Giants Castle, Mooi River, Pomeroy, Ndwedwe, Nkandla, Royal National Park, Eshowe, Howick, New Hanover, Greytown.

• Localised damage to infrastructure and settlements.
• Localised flooding of susceptible roads and bridges.
• Minor motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads and poor visibility.
• Difficult driving conditions on dirt and slippery roads.
• Large amounts of small hail/ large hail over an open area.
• Localised fire incidents.

What to do: Take caution or avoid traveling on bridges and roads in low lying areas as these may be susceptible to flooding and there may be sinkholes. Avoid outdoor activities as lightning, hail and flooding may result in injuries and death. If possible, stay indoors well clear of windows, shelter pets, and cover vehicles. Move livestock and cars to safe sheltered areas as there may be flying debris.

Areas: Prince Albert, Beaufort West, Sutherland, Laingsburg.

• Localised damage to settlement (both informal and formal) and temporary structures.
• Localised problems for high sides vehicles on prone roads (due to crosswinds on exposed high level roads/bridges).
• Some transport routes and travel services affected by wind.

What to do: The public is advised to secure loose objects and structures, roof sheets, signage and outdoor furniture. (e.g. closing of windows, covering of sand, Watering of the dampening of sand). Exercise caution when driving, particularly on routes prone to crosswinds. Stay away from flying debris that may pose danger. Monitor the latest SAWS warnings and follow instructions from local authorities.

• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Severe Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and lightning, resulting in localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements, are expected over most parts of KwaZulu-Natal, except in the north.
• Yellow Level 1 Warning: Damaging Interior Winds leading to localised problems for high-sided vehicles on prone routes and localised damage to temporary structures are expected over Karoo Hoogland local municipality in the Northern Cape and the Central Karoo district municipality in the Western Cape.

• Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the central parts of Northern Cape, north-eastern parts of the western cape, north-western parts of the Eastern Cape, as well as the northern parts of Limpopo.

• A heat wave with persistently high temperatures is expected in the north-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, until Thursday (15/10/2026).