The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has dismissed as fake a circulating social media warning about a tropical cyclone named “Storm Baron,” which was falsely claimed to affect Southern Africa for several days starting 10 January 2026.
SAWS has urged the public to disregard such misinformation and to rely solely on official forecasts, while remaining vigilant against unverified sources.
However, the service has confirmed that an intense low-pressure system is expected to develop over southern Mozambique in the coming days. This system is forecast to move southward, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms to the north-eastern parts of South Africa from early Saturday morning, 10 January 2026, and persisting until Thursday, 15 January 2026.
The most affected areas are likely to include the escarpment and lowveld regions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal.
SAWS stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates as new information emerges.
Separately, a yellow level 2 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours over the eastern parts of North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga, as well as the western and central parts of KwaZulu-Natal. These conditions may lead to damaging winds, localised flooding, hail, and excessive lightning.
Residents in affected areas are advised to heed official warnings and take appropriate precautionary measures.
