SAWS weather warnings explained: who issues them and how they work

When a storm, flood risk or heatwave is on the way, you may see warnings shared on social media, in WhatsApp groups and on news sites. In South Africa, only one body issues official severe-weather warnings: the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

Why only SAWS?

SAWS is the national weather service, established by the South African Weather Service Act, 2001. The Act makes SAWS the only body that may issue official severe-weather warnings in the country, and it makes publishing a false or misleading severe-weather warning an offence. This protects the public from confusing or alarming messages during dangerous weather.

How SAWS warnings work

SAWS uses impact-based warnings. Instead of warning simply about how much rain or wind is expected, each warning considers what the weather is likely to do (for example flooding of roads and settlements, damage to property or disruption to travel) and how likely that impact is. Each warning carries a colour and a level number, set by combining the expected impact with its likelihood, and lists the possible impacts and the areas and times it covers. SAWS’s own guide to the colours and levels is on the SAWS website.

How Nation Watch SA reports warnings

• We report SAWS warnings as news, always credited to SAWS and linked to the source.
• We quote the impacts SAWS lists, and we stop showing a warning once it is more than 36 hours old.
• We never issue warnings of our own and never turn forecast data into a “warning”. Where our forecasts highlight stormy or very hot weather, we call it a forecast outlook.
• We do not copy SAWS maps or graphics. For the full warning, including the level and affected areas, check the SAWS website.

If a warning affects you

Follow the advice in the SAWS warning and from your municipal disaster management centre. Avoid crossing flooded roads or low-water bridges, and check on neighbours who may need help.