The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms affecting six provinces: North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State, and the Northern Cape. The warning is in place due to the threat of heavy downpours, strong damaging winds, hail, and excessive lightning, which may lead to localised flooding and damage to infrastructure.
According to the SAWS, the severe thunderstorms are expected to bring localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges, as well as localised damage to settlements and infrastructure. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates.
In Gauteng, residents can expect cloudy and cold weather, with scattered showers and thundershowers. Mpumalanga will experience cloudy and cold conditions with scattered showers and thundershowers, although isolated in the northern Lowveld. Limpopo will see a cloudy and cold day with isolated showers and thundershowers, but scattered in the south-western and south-central parts.
The weather forecast also indicates that North West will experience cloudy, windy, and cool weather with scattered showers and thundershowers. In the Free State, residents can expect a cold day in the east, with cloudy and cool conditions and isolated showers and thundershowers, but scattered in the north. The Northern Cape will see a fine and warm day, but partly cloudy in the east with isolated showers and thundershowers.
In other parts of the country, the Western Cape will experience partly cloudy conditions over the north-eastern parts in the morning, with fine and cool to warm weather elsewhere, but hot over the west coast. The region's expected UVB sunburn index is "very high", and residents are advised to take necessary precautions against prolonged sun exposure.
The Eastern Cape will see partly cloudy conditions along the coast, with fine and cool weather elsewhere in the western half. In the eastern half, the day will be partly cloudy and cool south of the escarpment, becoming cloudy along the coast from late afternoon with evening rain along the coast to the east of the Kei River. KwaZulu-Natal will experience morning and evening fog patches over the interior, with cloudy and cold to cool weather and isolated showers and rain.
The SAWS has urged residents to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The weather service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Key points
- A yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for six provinces in South Africa.
- The warning is in place due to the threat of heavy downpours, strong damaging winds, hail, and excessive lightning.
- Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates.
