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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has dismissed a viral warning circulating on social media about a storm referred to as “Storm Baron” as a hoax.
SAWS says there is currently no tropical cyclone activity in the south-western Indian Ocean and no officially recognized storm named Baron.
However, an intense low-pressure system is expected to develop over the southern parts of Mozambique in the coming days.
This system is forecasted to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms to the north-eastern parts of South Africa starting early on Saturday and continuing until next week Thursday.
Areas most likely to be affected include the escarpment and lowveld regions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal.
MEDIA RELEASE: Clarification on Circulating “Storm Baron” Hoax Message. Intense low-pressure system expected over Mozambique in the coming days
Click here to read more: pic.twitter.com/J0z2w0yKKW
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 8, 2026
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that a message that is currently circulating on social media platforms warning of a storm dubbed “Storm Baron” is false and should be regarded as a hoax. https://t.co/E5pM82OEhh#GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/sUEjypJkPw
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) January 8, 2026
