When to worry: what weather warnings really mean

With storms, heavy rains and fast-spreading WhatsApp rumours becoming part of South Africa’s summer rhythm, the South African Weather Service (Saws) said understanding official weather warnings can make all the difference, from avoiding unnecessary panic to knowing exactly when to take action. Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela said South Africa’s Impact-Based Warning System is designed to tell people not only what weather is coming, but what that weather could do. The system helps communities prepare early, stay safe and avoid reacting to fake or misleading warnings, including those unverified ‘Level 10’ messages that often circulate online.

Here’s how to make sense of Saws alerts, and what to do at each stage. The warning system uses two parts: a colour and a number. The higher the number, the more likely the event is, especially when paired with red warnings.

“This signals that a dangerous event is very likely. Immediate protective action is needed,” said Thobela.