SA Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorms with Heavy Rain, Hail, and Strong Winds Expected Until Sunday

Storms to Continue Across Provinces with Expected Impacts on Travel and Safety

South Africa is set for a stormy weekend, with the SA Weather Service (SAWS) issuing warnings for thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and strong winds across several regions. From Friday to Sunday, multiple provinces will be under watch as these adverse weather conditions pose risks to infrastructure, safety, and travel.

Thunderstorm Alerts for Friday, 8 November

SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 Thunderstorm Warning for Friday, covering the eastern Northern Cape, western North West Province, much of the Free State, and northern and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. Residents in these areas can expect severe weather conditions including:

• Heavy Rainfall: Likely to result in localized flooding.
• Strong Winds: Potential to damage infrastructure and uproot trees.
• Hail: Risks of damaging property, crops, and outdoor equipment.

In addition to thunderstorms, the Eastern Cape coast will experience damaging waves, with Yellow Level 1 warnings for high surf impacting coastal routes and communities from Plettenberg Bay to Coffee Bay.

Provincial Weather Forecast

Here’s a closer look at what to expect by province:

• Gauteng: Cool to warm conditions with scattered thundershowers expected. Residents should plan for high UV exposure during the day.
• Mpumalanga and Limpopo: Partly cloudy skies with morning fog and isolated showers are expected, especially in the west and southwest.
• North West: Partly cloudy and warm, with isolated to scattered thundershowers likely across the province.
• Free State: Fog in the east early on, turning into a windy, cool-to-warm day with widespread thundershowers.
• Northern Cape: Mostly clear in the west, while the eastern regions brace for storms with possible severe winds and rain.
• Western Cape: Hot conditions inland with isolated thundershowers in the east, turning cloudy along the south coast by evening with possible light rain.
• Eastern Cape: Stormy conditions with thunderstorms and showers, particularly in the northeast. The coast will experience strong north-easterly winds, turning southwesterly by late afternoon.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Expect cool to warm weather with scattered showers and thundershowers throughout the day, especially along coastal areas.

Weather Warnings & Safety Precautions

Residents in affected areas should take the necessary precautions:

1. Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Travel disruptions are expected; be prepared for possible road closures.
2. Secure Property: Ensure all outdoor items are secured to prevent damage from strong winds and hail.
3. Flood Awareness: Avoid crossing flooded roads and monitor local updates for flash flood alerts.
4. High Surf Caution: Those along the coast should avoid beach activities due to potentially dangerous waves and spray.

Extremely High Fire Danger in Some Areas

Amid the wet and stormy conditions, an extremely high fire danger alert has been issued for the northeastern Western Cape and central Northern Cape due to dry conditions. Residents in these areas are advised to avoid open flames and take measures to prevent accidental fires.

Outlook for the Weekend

The thunderstorms are expected to continue through the weekend, with heavy rain, hail, and gusty winds impacting travel and daily activities across the warned regions. Be sure to stay informed on updates from SAWS and heed all warnings to ensure safety.

Also read: Gauteng Braces for Severe Thunderstorms as Eastern Cape Sees Rare November Snowfall