South Africa is bracing for severe weather conditions on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with forecasts indicating severe thunderstorms, hail, and high temperatures in various regions. The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms across much of KwaZulu-Natal, while a heatwave advisory continues for the north-western region until Thursday.
In KwaZulu-Natal, residents can expect morning fog over the far western interior, leading into a day of partly cloudy skies with warm to hot conditions. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are anticipated in the south-west, with isolated showers elsewhere except in the north-east. Coastal winds are predicted to shift throughout the day, and the UVB sunburn index is expected to be high, urging residents to take protective measures against the sun.
Durban is forecast to have partly cloudy weather with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Light winds will likely shift towards the northeast by late morning, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27°C and a high UVB sunburn risk.
The Free State is set to experience partly cloudy, windy, and warm to hot conditions, with isolated showers and thunderstorms potentially turning into scattered storms in the extreme north-west. In Bloemfontein, partly cloudy skies with isolated showers and thunderstorms are anticipated, although specific temperature forecasts were not provided.
In the North West province, partly cloudy and warm to hot weather is expected, alongside isolated showers and thunderstorms. Scattered thunderstorms are possible in the extreme west. Mahikeng residents should prepare for partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers and storms, with temperatures expected to range from 17°C to 31°C.
Authorities advise residents to stay updated with local weather reports, take necessary precautions during thunderstorms, and protect themselves from intense sunshine and elevated temperatures.