Level 4 storm warning Tuesday: hail and flooding risk in 3 provinces
SAWS has a level 4 warning for severe storms with hail and flooding over northern KZN, the eastern Free State and Mpumalanga Highveld on Tuesday 3 November, with a level 2 for Gauteng and fire danger in the west.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms on Tuesday 3 November over northern KwaZulu-Natal, the far eastern Free State and the Mpumalanga Highveld. Heavy downpours, hail and excessive lightning could cause flooding and damage to infrastructure (SAWS forecast via Snow News).
A wider level 2 storm warning covers Gauteng, southern KZN, the eastern Free State, central-southern Limpopo and the Mpumalanga escarpment. It's the second and last day of special voting, a day before the 4 November local government elections.
Which areas are under a warning on Tuesday?
| Warning | Areas | What could happen |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow level 4 (storms) | Northern KwaZulu-Natal; extreme eastern Free State; Mpumalanga Highveld | Flooding and damage to infrastructure from heavy downpours, hail and excessive lightning |
| Yellow level 2 (storms) | Southern KwaZulu-Natal; eastern Free State; Gauteng; central-southern Limpopo; Mpumalanga escarpment | Localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements, with damaging winds, hail and lightning |
| Extremely high fire danger | Western North West; extreme eastern Northern Cape; Limpopo Valley and Western Bushveld | Fires can start easily and spread fast |
Sources: SAWS forecast via Snow News, The Citizen.
SAWS had no other weather advisories in place for Tuesday when the forecast was issued on Monday afternoon (Snow News).
What will the weather be like in my province?
| Province | Tuesday forecast |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | Partly cloudy and warm with scattered showers and thundershowers, isolated in the north, where it will be hot in places |
| Mpumalanga | Morning fog on the escarpment and eastern Highveld, then partly cloudy and cool to warm with scattered showers and storms, isolated on the escarpment and Lowveld |
| Limpopo | Partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers and thundershowers, scattered in the extreme south-east, but dry in the Limpopo Valley and Lowveld |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Cloudy and cool to warm with scattered showers and thundershowers, partly cloudy in the extreme north |
| Free State | Partly cloudy to cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers and storms, scattered in the east |
| North West | Partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers and thundershowers, scattered in the south-east |
| Northern Cape | Fine in the west, otherwise partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers in the north-east |
| Western Cape | Fine and cool to warm, partly cloudy in the east; UV index extreme |
| Eastern Cape | West: morning fog and drizzle in the south-east, then warm to hot but cool on the coast. East: cloudy and cool with showers along the coast and south-eastern interior |
Sources: SAWS forecast via Snow News, The Citizen.
Does the weather affect special voting?
Special votes take place on Monday and Tuesday, 2 and 3 November, for voters who were approved to vote early at home or at their voting station (SAnews). If you're voting at a station in a warning area, keep an eye on the sky and the SAWS updates before you set off.
Who qualifies and what to take is in our special votes guide, and the outlook for Wednesday is in our election day weather forecast.
What should I do if a storm hits?
Stay off flooded roads and low-water bridges, and don't try to cross moving water on foot or in a car. Park under cover if hail is forecast, and stay indoors during lightning. In the fire danger areas, don't burn rubbish or make open fires.
SAWS warnings can be upgraded or lifted during the day, so check the official SAWS warnings page or the SA Weather Service on X (@SAWeatherServic) before you travel.
FAQ
Which areas have a level 4 weather warning on 3 November 2026?
SAWS issued a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms over northern KwaZulu-Natal, the extreme eastern parts of the Free State and the Mpumalanga Highveld, with heavy downpours, hail and excessive lightning.
Is Gauteng under a storm warning on Tuesday 3 November?
Yes. Gauteng is under a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and lightning that could cause localised flooding.
Where is there a fire danger warning on 3 November?
SAWS expects extremely high fire danger in parts of western North West, the extreme eastern Northern Cape, and the Limpopo Valley and Western Bushveld.
Where can I check the latest SAWS weather warnings?
Use the official SAWS warnings page at weathersa.co.za or the SA Weather Service account on X, @SAWeatherServic.