A Level 4 severe weather alert has been issued for Gauteng, Mpumalanga and parts of Limpopo, with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warning of heavy thunderstorms, strong winds, localised flooding and small hail. Officials say saturated ground and full river systems increase the risk of fast-rising water in low-lying areas.

A wider Level 2 alert covers KwaZulu-Natal, North West, the Free State, and sections of the Eastern Cape. Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads, secure loose items, and monitor SAWS updates as storms move across the interior through the afternoon and evening.