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UPDATE: 11.30am on Tuesday, 28 July 2026: The severe weather warning for Durban has been upgraded to Level 6.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has elevated its warning for disruptive rainfall to an Orange Level 6, signalling a heightened risk of severe impacts across much of coastal KwaZulu-Natal, including Durban.
According to reports, the upgraded warning comes as a cut-off low-pressure system settles over South Africa's southern interior, while a strong high-pressure system south of the country continues pushing moisture into KwaZulu-Natal.
This combination is expected to produce scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers across most of the province on Tuesday, with more rain forecast for Wednesday.
Expect hazardous driving conditions
eThekwini Municipality warns motorists to prepare for reduced visibility, slippery roads, and possible flooding on low-lying routes, bridges and intersections.
If you have to travel, drive with your headlights on, slow down, leave extra following distance and avoid speeding through standing water, as it's often impossible to judge the depth beneath the surface.
If your journey isn't essential, consider postponing it until conditions improve.
Residents living in flood-prone communities and low-lying areas are being urged to stay alert, with heavy rainfall expected to increase the risk of flooding.
Authorities are also reminding people never to attempt crossing flooded roads, rivers or streams. Even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep vehicles and pedestrians away.
Emergency services on standby
eThekwini Municipality says its Disaster Management teams and emergency services are on high alert and ready to respond should incidents occur during the severe weather.
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on official weather updates throughout the day, as forecasts may change depending on the movement of the storm system.
Heavy, disruptive rain expected in Durban and surrounds on Tuesday: Monday, 27 July
Brace yourselves, Durban. A severe storm bringing heavy, disruptive rainfall is expected to hit Durban and surrounds on Tuesday, 28 July.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) released a statement on Monday evening, sharing that rainfall of up to 40mm could be on the cards.
The worst hit areas are expected to be along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, with a Level 4 warning in place. KZN's central areas have been alerted to a Level 2 warning.
According to ENCA, eThekwini Metro, KwaDukuza, uMhlathuze, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Mandeni, Mtubatuba, Big Five Hlabisa, uMlalazi, and Umzumbe are to be the worst hit by the heavy rainfall.
The warnings are in place until Wednesday night.
Be cautious, Durban
As we've seen in the past, heavy rain warnings often bring with it flooding in the province, so it is vital that you remain cautious both at home and when on the roads.
If you are able to stay at home during this period, please do.
"Residents in the affected areas are urged to exercise extreme caution as these weather conditions do pose a serious risk to human lives," a statement from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs reads.
"Disaster Management teams will closely monitor areas that are prone to weather-related incidents."
Important numbers
Should you find yourself in danger or need assistance of any kind, please contact the numbers below:
- Emergency Response Call Centre: 031 361 0000 (24 hours) (Metro Police, Fire and Disaster)
- Disaster Management: 031 367 0000 (weekdays)
- Police: 10111 (24 Hours)
- Public Ambulance: 10177
- Cell Phone Emergency (Free): 112
- General Municipal Switchboard / Call Centre: 080 311 1111
- Electricity Faults WhatsApp line: 076 791 2449
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