South Africa weather: El Niño and severe storm warnings

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that the country is experiencing a strong El Niño event. While recent intense thunderstorms and lightning have been noted, SAWS cautions that individual weather events should not be attributed to El Niño alone. The phenomenon typically brings below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures to Southern Africa, with seasonal forecasts for October to December 2026 predicting drier and hotter conditions.

Severe weather warnings are currently in effect for several regions. A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for KwaZulu-Natal due to the threat of severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and damaging winds. Additionally, strong winds and waves are affecting coastal areas, leading to spring tides with higher-than-usual high tides and lower-than-usual low tides. These conditions pose risks to small vessels, navigation, and coastal activities across KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, and the Northern Cape.