While communities across KwaZulu-Natal enjoy cooler weather on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has cautioned that unsettled weather conditions are expected to develop throughout the day. In light of this, SAWS has issued a Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms.
To learn more about the SAWS warning system, click here.
According to the weather service, a surface trough over the central interior of South Africa, combined with a surface ridge high in the east, will lead to isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms over the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
These conditions are forecast to intensify, becoming more widespread across the province on Wednesday, 29 October 2025.
Furthermore, SAWS emphasised that several of these thunderstorms are expected to become severe over the north-western parts of the province on Tuesday, before shifting towards the western and northern areas on Wednesday. The anticipated thunderstorms are likely to be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong damaging winds, intense lightning activity, and significant hail accumulation.
SAWS has cautioned that the following impacts may occur as a result of the weather conditions:
- Localised flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying bridges.
- Minor motor vehicle accidents due to slippery surfaces and reduced visibility.
- Difficult driving conditions, particularly on gravel or dirt roads.
- Localised damage to infrastructure and informal settlements.
- Large accumulations of small to large hail over exposed areas.
The KwaZulu-Natal towns expected to experience the brunt of the severe weather include:
Newcastle, Ladysmith, Vryheid, Dannhauser, Underberg, Utrecht, Dundee, Kokstad, Estcourt, Mooi River, Giants Castle, Jozini, eDumbe, Hluhluwe, Hlabisa, and Indaka.
Furthermore, as hazardous weather conditions are expected, SAWS is urging residents to remain vigilant, particularly those living in low-lying areas or who may need to cross bridges. The service has advised that such areas may be prone to flooding or the formation of sinkholes.
SAWS has also warned community members to avoid outdoor activities, as lightning, hail, and flash flooding pose serious risks that may lead to injury or loss of life. Where possible, residents are advised to stay indoors and away from windows. In addition, the weather service has encouraged households to take precautionary measures to protect pets, livestock, and vehicles from the anticipated severe weather.
With adverse weather conditions forecast to persist into Wednesday, communities across KwaZulu-Natal are urged to remain alert and to take all necessary safety measures.
While the cooler conditions bring temporary relief from recent heat, residents are reminded that severe thunderstorms can escalate rapidly, and adherence to official advisories can play a critical role in safeguarding lives and property.
Be sure to stay safe and remember that weather patterns can change. Therefore, it is imperative that you keep an eye out for any further updates.
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FAQs:
SAWS has issued a Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms expected to bring heavy rain, hail, strong winds, and lightning to parts of KwaZulu-Natal on 28 and 29 October 2025.
Towns likely to experience the worst conditions include Newcastle, Ladysmith, Vryheid, Utrecht, Dundee, Kokstad, Estcourt, Mooi River, and surrounding areas.
Residents can expect localised flooding, slippery roads, infrastructure damage, hail accumulation, and difficult driving conditions, especially in rural or low-lying areas.
People are urged to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid crossing flooded bridges, protect pets and vehicles, and avoid outdoor activities to reduce the risk of injury from lightning or hail.
The severe weather is forecast to persist through Wednesday, 29 October 2025, with gradual clearing expected thereafter depending on local developments.
