Severe thunderstorms to lash North West and Free State as cold, unsettled conditions sweep across most provinces

The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued its regional forecast for Tuesday, 7 April 2026. Saws forecast a Yellow Level 2 severe thunderstorm warning in effect and a mix of cold, cloudy and unsettled conditions expected across most of the country’s provinces. South Africans living in or travelling through parts of North West and the Free State should brace for a dangerous Tuesday.

Saws issued a Yellow Level 2 impact-based warning, cautioning that “severe thunderstorms with strong damaging wind, hail, excessive lightning and heavy downpours leading to possible flooding, as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock are expected over the south-western parts of North West and the north-western parts of Free State.” Here is what to expect in your province on Tuesday, 7 April. Most of Gauteng is in for a cool and overcast Tuesday. While the extreme north of the province will remain warm, Saws warned the rest of the province can expect “cloudy and cool with scattered showers and thundershowers”.

Residents should also note that the expected UVB sunburn index is “moderate”. Mpumalanga faces a layered and unsettled start to the day. Saws warned of “morning fog along the escarpment” with conditions turning cloudy and cool to cold as the day develops.

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Residents should prepare for “scattered showers and thundershowers” throughout. Limpopo can expect a similarly foggy morning before conditions shift.

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