SAWS Warns of Autumn Showers and Thunderstorms Across South Africa This Week
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warns that autumn weather conditions dominate SA this week. Typical autumn systems will bring isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers across the country starting Monday, March 23, 2026. These conditions will be widespread in KwaZulu-Natal. People in several provinces face low chances of severe thunderstorms and low to medium risks of flooding from heavy rains. The forecast highlights the need to stay prepared through Sunday.
SAWS explains that a surface trough sits over the western and central interior. At the same time, the Atlantic High extends its ridge over the southern and eastern parts of the country. “This consists of a surface trough over the western and central interior, with the Atlantic High extending its ridge over the southern and eastern parts of the country, resulting in isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers in places,” SAWS said.
On Monday, skies will stay partly cloudy and cool to warm. Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected, but they will be widespread in KwaZulu-Natal. Low chances exist for severe thunderstorms in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng. A low to medium chance of flooding could follow heavy downpours in those same areas.
Tuesday brings similar weather. Conditions will be partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers. These will be widespread in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. A low chance of severe thunderstorms affects the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng. Flooding risks from heavy downpours remain low to medium in those regions.
These severe thunderstorm risks add concern later in the week. Residents should watch for strong winds, hail, or heavy rain that could disrupt travel or damage property. The table below shows risks by day and region.
| Day | Regions | Chance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape | Low chance |
| Thursday | Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga | Low chance |
| Friday | Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga | Low chance |
| Saturday | Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga | Low chance |
| Sunday | Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga | Low chance |
Heavy downpours raise flooding worries in several spots. This could lead to road closures or swollen rivers, so drivers and homeowners need to take care. The next table lists those risks.
| Day | Regions | Chance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape | Low to medium chance |
| Thursday | Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga | Low to medium chance |
| Friday | Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga | Low to medium chance |
| Saturday | Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga | Low to medium chance |
| Sunday | Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga | Low to medium chance |