South African Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warning as hail and flooding threaten weekend plans in Free State KwaZulu Natal and North West

If you were planning a braai, a road trip or even just a relaxed afternoon outdoors, you might want to keep one eye on the sky.

Parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and North West are heading into a weekend marked by thunderstorms, heavy rain and even hail.

It’s not just a passing shower situation — forecasters are warning of potentially disruptive weather on both Saturday, 21 February, and Sunday, 22 February.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), Yellow Level 2 warnings have been issued for multiple regions, signaling the likelihood of severe thunderstorms that could bring localized flooding, strong winds and dangerous lightning.

Free State Braces for Heavy Downpours and Hail

Residents in the eastern and northern Free State should prepare for rough weather.

The warning highlights heavy rainfall, excessive lightning and possible hail — the kind that can damage crops, dent cars and knock out power in some areas.

In Bloemfontein, partly cloudy conditions are expected to turn into afternoon showers and thundershowers.

Saturday temperatures are forecast to sit between 16°C and 29°C. Sunday brings a slightly warmer afternoon high of around 31°C, although the early morning will start cooler at about 13°C.

The Free State is no stranger to late-summer thunderstorms.

February often marks a peak period for convective storms in central South Africa, when hot daytime temperatures combine with moisture to fuel dramatic cloud build-ups.

KwaZulu-Natal Faces Flooding Risks

Over in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly the western parts of the province, the weather service has also raised a Yellow Level 2 warning.

Here, the main concern is localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and informal settlements.

Damaging winds and intense lightning are also in the mix.

Durban, meanwhile, will experience partly cloudy skies that are expected to thicken into afternoon cloud cover with scattered showers and thundershowers.

Temperatures are forecast to range from 24°C to 29°C on Saturday, dipping slightly on Sunday to between 24°C and 27°C.

One thing to note: the sunburn index remains very high in Durban.

That means even with clouds around, UV levels can still pose a risk.

Sunscreen and hydration are still essential, especially if you’re outdoors before the storms roll in.

KwaZulu-Natal has experienced several flooding events in recent years, with infrastructure vulnerabilities exposed during heavy rainfall episodes.

Even moderate storms can quickly overwhelm drainage systems in some areas.

North West on Alert for Severe Thunderstorms

The North West province is also under a Yellow Level 2 warning, particularly the south-western parts.

The forecast points to severe thunderstorms capable of producing heavy downpours, damaging winds, lightning and hail.

Mahikeng can expect partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers on Saturday, with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 29°C.

Sunday will remain partly cloudy, with slightly warmer readings between 18°C and 30°C.

Like the Free State, the North West frequently experiences strong summer storms due to heat-driven instability in the atmosphere.

These storms can form quickly and intensify within hours, making conditions unpredictable.

Why Yellow Level 2 Matters

A Yellow Level 2 warning doesn’t mean disaster is guaranteed — but it does signal a heightened risk of disruptive weather.

This level suggests that while impacts are expected to be localised, they may still affect travel, outdoor events, infrastructure and vulnerable communities.

Motorists are urged to avoid flooded roads, and residents in hail-prone areas should consider protecting vehicles and outdoor property where possible.

Farmers, too, will be watching closely, as hail and strong winds can cause serious crop damage during this stage of the growing season.

What’s Next?

Weather systems in South Africa during late summer can shift quickly.

If moisture levels remain high and daytime temperatures stay elevated, more storm activity could follow into next week.

SAWS will likely continue monitoring developments and may adjust warning levels depending on how the systems evolve.

For now, residents in the affected provinces are advised to stay updated through official forecasts and alerts, especially if planning travel or outdoor activities.

Having contingency plans in place might save you from a soggy weekend surprise.

Summary

Severe thunderstorms are forecast to hit parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and North West this weekend, with Yellow Level 2 warnings issued by the South African Weather Service.

Heavy rain, hail, damaging winds and excessive lightning are expected in several areas, including Bloemfontein, Durban and Mahikeng.

Localised flooding and infrastructure damage are possible, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Residents are urged to stay alert, monitor updates and prepare for potentially disruptive weather conditions over Saturday and Sunday.