South Africans should brace themselves for a turbulent Thursday, 5 February 2026, as severe storms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds are expected across five provinces.
The South African Weather Service has issued impact-based warnings for extreme south-east Northern Cape, south-west Free State, south-eastern Western Cape, parts of the Eastern Cape, and southern KwaZulu-Natal.
Authorities warn that these storms could cause localized flooding, damage to infrastructure, and hazardous conditions on roads and bridges.
Residents in these areas are urged to stay alert and take precautions.
Gauteng and Mpumalanga Warm Up While Fog Lingers
Gauteng will enjoy partly cloudy skies, with warm temperatures that climb higher in the northern areas.
However, the UVB Sunburn Index is high, so sun protection is recommended for anyone spending time outdoors.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga will see morning fog over the Highveld and escarpment, clearing to partly cloudy skies with warm to hot temperatures later in the day.
Both provinces are expected to remain mostly dry, making it a relatively comfortable day for outdoor activities.
Limpopo, North West, and Free State Face Hot and Variable Conditions
Limpopo will experience partly cloudy skies and warm to hot temperatures across most areas.
The North West will be fine in the east initially but could see isolated showers and thundershowers in the west, accompanied by heat.
The Free State will also be mostly fine in the east, but scattered showers and thundershowers may develop in the south-west, with windy conditions making it feel hotter than the mercury suggests.
Northern Cape and Western Cape Brace for Storms and Fog
Northern Cape residents should prepare for cloudy skies in the west and morning coastal fog, with very hot temperatures in some eastern parts.
Isolated showers and thundershowers are likely across the interior.
Coastal winds will shift from light north-westerly to moderate south-easterly by late afternoon.
The Western Cape will face cloudy and warm conditions, with scattered showers and thundershowers over central and eastern regions.
Coastal winds will turn moderate to fresh in the afternoon, and the UVB Sunburn Index is very high, requiring sun safety precautions.
Eastern Cape Sees Cloudy Skies with Scattered Showers
The Eastern Cape will be cloudy and warm, with widespread showers and thundershowers in the western half and scattered storms in the interior.
Coastal winds will start light but increase to moderate or fresh directions by late afternoon.
Residents along the coast and interior are advised to be cautious as heavy downpours may lead to localized flooding.
KwaZulu-Natal Faces Hot, Humid Weather with Isolated Storms
KwaZulu-Natal is set for partly cloudy skies with warm to hot temperatures and isolated to scattered showers, mainly in the south.
Coastal winds will be light to moderate in the morning, becoming fresh in the afternoon.
Northern parts of the province are expected to experience a heat wave with persistently high temperatures until Friday, while humid conditions along the coast may feel uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
Fire and Heat Danger Alerts
Apart from storms, parts of the Northern Cape are under extremely high fire danger warnings, particularly in central and eastern regions.
Residents and travelers are urged to avoid open flames and report any fires promptly.
Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions in the Eastern Cape and eastern KwaZulu-Natal are expected to persist until Friday, creating potential health risks for vulnerable populations and outdoor workers.
Stay Prepared and Stay Safe
With multiple provinces facing heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and high UV levels, South Africans are advised to monitor local weather updates and exercise caution.
Flood-prone areas, low-lying roads, and bridges are particularly at risk during the peak of the storms.
Remember to carry sun protection for high UVB areas, keep updated on potential fires, and adjust travel plans if severe weather affects roads and infrastructure.
If you like, I can also make 10 long, detailed headline options for this weather story, in the same style we did for the Kwara State and CFTC articles, with verbs, subjects, nouns, and locations.
This would make it feel like a front-page news alert.
