Monday Weather: Severe Storms in KZN, 39°C in Mbombela

Widespread rain is expected in the Eastern Cape on Monday

A Yellow Level 2 storm warning is in force for KwaZulu-Natal, while Limpopo and Mpumalanga swelter. Here is your Monday forecast.

South Africa faces sharply contrasting weather on Monday, 19 October 2026. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal, widespread rain is expected in the Eastern Cape and parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga will be sweltering.

Key facts

The KwaZulu-Natal warning is valid from Sunday through Monday and covers possible flooding, hail, infrastructure damage and hazardous driving.
Widespread rain is expected in the Eastern Cape on Monday.
Johannesburg is forecast to reach about 31°C, Polokwane 34°C and Mbombela about 39°C.
Cape Town stays cool, with a high of about 18°C.

KwaZulu-Natal: storms and flooding risk

According to SAWS, a surface trough over the central parts of the country is expected to trigger surface convergence over the KwaZulu-Natal interior, bringing isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers today and tomorrow. The storms could cause localised damage to infrastructure and settlements, and flooding on susceptible roads and bridges. Cloudy, cool conditions are expected along the eastern and southern coasts.

The rest of the country

Eastern Cape: widespread rain in places on Monday.
Central and eastern interior: partly cloudy, warm to hot, with scattered showers and thundershowers possible.
Gauteng: warm to hot conditions, with Johannesburg around 31°C.
Limpopo and Mpumalanga: sweltering heat, with Polokwane near 34°C and Mbombela near 39°C.
Western Cape: considerably cooler, with Cape Town reaching about 18°C.

What this means for you

In KwaZulu-Natal: avoid driving through flooded roads or low-lying bridges, since even shallow moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Keep away from rivers and streams, secure loose items and stay indoors during lightning. Hail can damage cars, so park under cover if possible.

In the heat: drink water regularly, avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day and check on older neighbours. Never leave children or pets in a parked car. Hot, dry conditions also increase the risk of veld fires.

The bigger picture: a hotter, drier summer is expected this season. Read our report on KZN's El Niño warning.