A cold, wet and gloomy weekend as severe weather grips parts of SA

Emergency services across South Africa are on high alert as a cold front brings widespread rain, thunderstorms and strong winds to several parts of the country this weekend.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the wet and windy conditions could trigger localised flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas. 

The weather is expected to affect parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

The warning comes just days after the start of spring, with many parts of the country experiencing an unusually cold and gloomy start to the new season.

Emergency services warn that the thunderstorms could bring down large trees, electrical power lines, residential structures, and other built structures, including vehicles.

Motorists have also been urged to exercise caution on wet roads, with reduced visibility and slippery conditions expected to increase the risk of accidents.

Weather forecast for today, 0 September 2026:
Cloudy, windy and cold to cool with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers but widespread in places.#weatheroutlook #saws #Warning #spring pic.twitter.com/yNbcUmNpYC

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) September 4, 2026

The Eastern Cape, which has been heavily affected by floods in recent months, has issued a warning, urging motorists not to underestimate the conditions.

Earlier this year, severe weather contributed to the collapse of sections of the R62 between Kareedouw and Joubertina.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has warned of the possible effects of El Niño, a climate pattern that typically results in below-normal rainfall and high temperatures during summer.

The department says reports suggest El Niño conditions are present and could continue through the 2026/27 summer season. 

“The Climate Watch further indicates that the summer season is showing many areas of below-normal rainfall associated with the expected El Niño during summer. In the agricultural sector, El Niño conditions might result in below-normal rainfall and high temperatures that may lead to dry conditions and heat stress.”

“This often contributes to crop failure and livestock mortalities, especially where risk reduction measures are not implemented. Water restrictions also come into effect when rainfall is low and usually affect irrigation farmers. The other issues of concern are pests and diseases associated with these conditions.”

Media Release: South African Weather Service statement on the 2026/27 El Niño pic.twitter.com/7uRCtJrl53

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) September 1, 2026

Meanwhile, Airlink has also withdrawn its application to conduct a flypast over FNB Stadium this Saturday for the Springboks vs All Blacks rugby match.

The airline says the forecast weather conditions are not safe for a formation flypast.

Dear SAA,

Airlink is suddenly pulled out of the FNB fly over…

Please get an SAA Airbus or SAA Boeing to do a fly-over at FNB during that game…

We need the entire world to know that we have the best pilots and airplanes ✈️

THIS IS EXCELLENT MARKETING FOR OUR COUNTRY 🇿🇦… pic.twitter.com/A5aVjPq0tt

— Jack Mash (@JackMash26cv) September 4, 2026