KZN’s humid Friday brings another risk before a wet weekend
DURBAN — Hot, humid conditions in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal will be accompanied by a severe thunderstorm risk on Friday, 6 November, before widespread showers are expected over the weekend. The South African Weather Service has issued a yellow level 4 warning for northern KZN, where heavy downpours, hail and severe lightning could cause flooding and infrastructure damage.
The province is forecast to be partly cloudy and warm to hot, with scattered showers and thundershowers. Cloud cover should increase along the coast and nearby inland areas during the afternoon, while the heat and humidity are expected to make conditions particularly uncomfortable in the north-east.
Durban’s forecast is milder than the conditions highlighted in the north-east, with temperatures expected to range from 22°C to 25°C. Scattered showers and thundershowers are forecast for the city, and the UVB sunburn index is expected to be very high, according to a SAWS forecast published.
The level 4 thunderstorm warning also covers Gauteng and the south-western Highveld of Mpumalanga. A separate yellow level 2 warning includes central KZN and parts of the Free State, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, with localised flooding among the possible impacts.
For people spending time outdoors in hot conditions, SAWS’s general safety guidance recommends regular breaks, adequate hydration, lightweight clothing and protection from the sun. It advises reducing strenuous activity and paying particular attention to infants and older people, who are more vulnerable during prolonged hot weather.
Widespread showers and thunderstorms are forecast across KZN on Saturday and Sunday, 7 and 8 November. Residents planning travel or outdoor activities should follow updated SAWS warnings as the weekend approaches.
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