Severe weather conditions are expected to impact parts of South Africa on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with forecasts indicating severe thunderstorms, potential hail, and high temperatures in several provinces. 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 to affect the north-western region until Thursday.
In KwaZulu-Natal, residents are advised to prepare for morning fog over the far western interior, followed by warm to hot conditions and partly cloudy skies. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are anticipated in the south-west, with isolated showers elsewhere except in the north-east. Coastal winds are expected to shift throughout the day, moving from southerly to south-westerly to north-easterly. The UVB sunburn index will be high, indicating a strong risk of sunburn.
In Durban, the forecast predicts partly cloudy skies along with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Light winds are expected to change direction towards the north-east from late morning. Temperatures in the city are projected to range from 21°C to 27°C, with a significant risk of UVB sunburn.
The Free State province is set to experience partly cloudy, windy, and warm to hot weather conditions, with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Scattered thunderstorms are possible in the extreme north-west of the province. In Bloemfontein, the forecast includes partly cloudy skies with isolated showers and thunderstorms.
In the North West province, partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions are expected, with isolated showers and thunderstorms predicted. Scattered thunderstorms are possible in the extreme west. Mahikeng is forecast to have partly cloudy conditions accompanied by isolated showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 31°C.
Residents across the affected areas are encouraged to monitor local weather updates, exercise caution during thunderstorms, and take measures to protect themselves from strong sunshine and high temperatures.