The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of heavy downpours expected to be accompanied by strong winds and excessive lightning in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga.

The alert relates to a low-pressure system expected to continue dominating over Mozambique, which is likely to influence precipitation over the eastern half of South Africa, including the Lowveld.

ALSO READ: Heavy rains wreak havoc across Lowveld

“This will result in heavy downpours associated with strong, damaging winds and excessive lightning over the far eastern parts of Mpumalanga as well as Limpopo,” SAWS said in a statement.

SAWS has warned of possible major travel disruptions, as well as potential damage to infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods and livestock.

Weather forecast for today & tomorrow, 10 – 11 January 2026.
Cloudy conditions are expected along the Lowveld of Mpumalanga & Limpopo, with widespread showers & thundershowers possible. These conditions are expected to result in significant impacts of rain and flooding. #saws pic.twitter.com/zeW6yynUlo

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 10, 2026

ALSO READ: Expert clarifies weather apps’ heavy rainfall outlook for Mpumalanga in mid-January

Level 6 warning a possibility

The National Forecast Centre and SAWS have indicated that an orange level 6 warning is a possibility.

Communities are urged to postpone travel if possible. If travel is unavoidable, motorists are advised to keep the following in mind:

* Emergency response times may be affected during the storm
* Expect delays and plan trips accordingly
* Maintain a safe following distance
* Drive with headlights on
* Avoid hard braking and sudden acceleration
* Reduce speed well before corners or bends
* Avoid travelling with heavy loads if possible
* Watch out for fallen trees, debris, large bodies of water and other obstacles.

Orange level 5 warning: Severe thunderstorms- There is a medium likelihood of significant impacts of heavy rain that may result in flooding, damaging winds, hail & excessive lightning.
Affected area: KwaZulu-Natal (northern parts)
Validity period: 11 January 2026 #saws pic.twitter.com/zc6r47WsPz

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 10, 2026

SATURDAY UPDATE: Severe thunderstorms warnings now for seven provinces including a level 5. See https://t.co/qs5oMSdrpC for the full forecast #saws #saweather #forecast #weatherwarnings pic.twitter.com/J5CLqdIDod

— Snow Report Southern Africa (@SnowReportSA) January 10, 2026

SUNDAY WEATHER: Level 6 warning with significant rainfall and impacts in the east of South Africa. See https://t.co/qs5oMSdrpC for the full forecast #saws #saweather #forecast #weatherwarnings pic.twitter.com/LL9E0XGynz

— Snow Report Southern Africa (@SnowReportSA) January 10, 2026