SA Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Hail, and Disruptions Expected Across The Country

Weather Forecast: Heavy Rain, Hail, and Disruptions Expected

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released a significant weather alert for Wednesday, 20 November 2024, highlighting severe weather conditions expected across various regions of the country. Residents are advised to stay informed, take precautions, and be prepared for potential disruptions as severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail are anticipated. Here’s what you need to know about the weather forecast and how it might affect your area.

Impact-Based Weather Warnings

SAWS has issued several warnings to highlight the potential risks associated with the incoming weather conditions. These warnings are categorized based on their expected impact:

1. Yellow Level 5 Warning: This warning indicates the possibility of severe thunderstorms, which could result in significant damage. Affected regions include the Wild Coast and the adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape. The warning highlights risks to settlements, property, vehicles, infrastructure, and disruptions to municipal services. Residents in these areas should take precautions to safeguard their property and prepare for potential interruptions in services.
2. Yellow Level 3 and Level 2 Warnings: These warnings are focused on other regions of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Western Cape. Severe thunderstorms in these areas could lead to localized damage to temporary structures, difficult driving conditions, heavy downpours, and hail. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously and avoid areas prone to flooding.

Severe Weather Forecast by Region

Here’s a detailed weather forecast across South Africa’s provinces on Wednesday, 20 November 2024:

Gauteng

• Conditions: Partly cloudy and warm, with isolated afternoon thunderstorms expected.
• Precautions: UVB sunburn index is rated “very high.” Residents should protect themselves from sun exposure if outdoors.

Mpumalanga

• Conditions: Cloudy in the east with morning drizzle, transitioning to partly cloudy and warm. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected, except in the Lowveld, where hot weather will dominate.
• Precautions: Residents should stay alert to changing weather conditions throughout the day.

Limpopo

• Conditions: Cloudy in the east with morning drizzle along the escarpment. The rest of the province will see partly cloudy and hot to very hot conditions, with isolated showers and thundershowers in the south.
• Precautions: Take measures to stay cool in hot areas and monitor local weather updates for thunderstorm activity.

North-West Province

• Conditions: Fine in the east, while the rest of the province will experience partly cloudy and hot conditions. Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers are possible.
• Precautions: Plan outdoor activities accordingly, considering the possibility of afternoon showers.

Free State

• Conditions: Fine and warm to hot, becoming partly cloudy later in the day. The eastern regions can expect isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers, while scattered showers are anticipated in other areas.
• Precautions: Be cautious of sudden weather changes, particularly in the afternoon.

Northern Cape

• Conditions: The region will be partly cloudy, windy, and hot to very hot. Scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers are expected, except along the coast and adjacent interior, where it will remain cool to warm.
• Fire Danger: Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in the southern parts. Residents should avoid activities that could spark fires.

Western Cape

• Conditions: Cloudy to partly cloudy and cool to warm weather is expected, with isolated showers and thundershowers in most areas. Scattered showers are likely over the Overberg and Cape Winelands District.
• Precautions: Protect yourself from high UVB exposure, and prepare for wet conditions in the afternoon.

Eastern Cape

• Western Half: Cloudy and warm, with scattered thundershowers expected.
• Eastern Half: Cloudy and warm, with similar scattered thundershowers predicted.

KwaZulu-Natal

• Conditions: Morning fog patches will occur over the south-eastern interior, followed by partly cloudy and warm weather. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected, except in the extreme north-eastern parts.
• Precautions: Residents should exercise caution when driving through foggy areas in the morning and remain alert for potential thunderstorms.

Safety Tips During Severe Weather

With severe weather expected in many regions, here are some general safety tips to consider:

• Secure Loose Items: High winds and thunderstorms can cause unsecured objects to become dangerous projectiles.
• Avoid Flooded Areas: Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads, as they can be deceptively deep and dangerous.
• Seek Shelter: If you are outdoors during a thunderstorm, find a safe shelter away from tall structures and trees.
• Monitor Weather Updates: Keep an eye on local news and weather updates to stay informed about any changes or additional warnings.
• Prepare for Power Outages: Severe storms can cause disruptions to electricity. Have flashlights, batteries, and a charged mobile phone on hand.

South Africa is set to experience a range of severe weather conditions on 20 November 2024. From heavy rain and thunderstorms to fire danger warnings, residents across the country need to remain vigilant. The South African Weather Service urges everyone to take the necessary precautions, especially in areas under severe weather alerts. Stay informed, prioritize safety, and prepare for potential disruptions to minimize the impact of the anticipated weather events.