Severe Weather Alert: Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain, and Heatwaves in Six Provinces

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Severe Weather Alert for Monday, warning of thunderstorms expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, excessive lightning, and localized hail. These conditions pose significant risks to several provinces. Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautions as flooding and damage are anticipated.

High Fire Danger and Heatwave Conditions

In addition to the thunderstorms, the SAWS has forecast extremely high fire danger in the southern parts of the ZF Mgcawu and western Pixley ka Seme District Municipalities in the Northern Cape. Similar conditions are expected in the Limpopo Valley and southern Limpopo Lowveld.

Meanwhile, a heatwave continues to ravage the north-western and north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and is expected to last until Wednesday.

Provinces Affected – Severe Weather Alert

The Severe Weather Alert applies to the following regions:

• North West
• Gauteng
• Mpumalanga Highveld
• Eastern and Central Free State
• Most of KwaZulu-Natal
• South-western Limpopo

Detailed Weather Forecast

Gauteng

Partly cloudy with warm to hot conditions. Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected.
UVB Sunburn Index: Low

Mpumalanga

Warm to hot weather with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, excluding the north-east. Extremely hot conditions will persist in the Lowveld.

Limpopo

Partly cloudy and hot to very hot, with scattered showers and thundershowers in the south-west. Extremely hot conditions are forecast for the southern Lowveld.

Western Cape

Cloudy in the south-west, otherwise partly cloudy and cool to warm conditions.
Coastal Winds: Light to moderate southerly to south-westerly winds, becoming stronger along the south coast in the evening.
UVB Sunburn Index: Very High

Eastern Cape

• Western Half: Cloudy with morning rain, except in the extreme north-west, becoming partly cloudy and warm. Cooler temperatures are expected along the coast.
• Eastern Half: Partly cloudy and warm to hot in the north, transitioning to cloudy and cool with scattered rain and thundershowers moving southward in the afternoon.
  Coastal Winds: Moderate to fresh south-westerly to south-easterly.

KwaZulu-Natal

Partly cloudy to cloudy with cool to warm weather, except in the north-west, which will remain hot. Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected, with isolated activity in the extreme north-east.

North West

Partly cloudy, windy, and hot with scattered showers and thundershowers.

Free State

Partly cloudy, windy, and hot. Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected, with isolated activity in the southern regions.

Northern Cape

Fine, windy, and hot to very hot conditions, transitioning to partly cloudy with isolated showers and thundershowers over the eastern parts.
Coastal Winds: Moderate to fresh south to south-easterly.
UVB Sunburn Index: Very High

Severe Weather Alert: Safety Precautions

The Severe Weather Alert calls for residents in affected areas to take these precautions:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid open fields or tall structures.
• Be cautious on the roads as flooding may occur.
• Keep hydrated and avoid direct sunlight in areas experiencing heatwave conditions.

Stay informed with updates from the South African Weather Service and prioritize safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.