A cold front and strong high-pressure system are expected to bring severe thunderstorms and damaging winds to several parts of South Africa on Tuesday. The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape, with a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms in some areas. The weather service has warned of heavy downpours, hail, and excessive lightning, which could cause localised flooding and damage to settlements and infrastructure.
KwaZulu-Natal is under a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms and damaging winds, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms in parts of the province. The storms could cause slippery roads and poor visibility, increasing the risk of vehicle accidents. The weather service has warned of isolated storms in northern areas, with some thunderstorms in southern KwaZulu-Natal potentially becoming severe.
A separate Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds has been issued for the KwaZulu-Natal coast and adjacent interior between Port Edward and Richards Bay. Strong southerly to south-westerly winds of between 40km/h and 60km/h are expected, with gusts reaching up to 85km/h. The conditions could damage settlements, disrupt beachfront activities, and make navigation difficult.
The Eastern Cape is also expected to experience widespread unsettled weather, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms over large parts of the province. The western half will become cloudy and windy from the west, with isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms and rain along the coast. The eastern half will be partly cloudy and warm before scattered showers and thunderstorms develop.
The Western Cape will experience cloudy to partly cloudy and cool to cold conditions, with isolated to scattered showers and rain spreading from western areas towards the east from mid-morning. A Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging waves has been issued, with south-westerly swells of between four and five metres expected along the south and south-west coast.
Other provinces are also expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, with the North West, Free State, and Northern Cape having a 30% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms. Gauteng is expected to escape most of the rain, with partly cloudy and cool conditions. Mpumalanga and Limpopo will experience cloudy conditions, with a 30% chance of isolated showers and rain.
The South African Weather Service has urged residents to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and warnings. The public is advised to be aware of the potential risks associated with severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and flooding, and to take steps to protect themselves and their property.
Key points
- KwaZulu-Natal is under a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms and damaging winds.
- A Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging waves has been issued for the Western Cape.
- Several provinces are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms in some areas.
