SA Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorms and High Fire Danger Expected Across South Africa

SA Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorms and High Fire Danger

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued significant weather warnings for parts of South Africa. These include severe thunderstorms, extremely high fire danger conditions, and uncomfortable heat levels across multiple provinces. Residents are urged to prepare and stay vigilant.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for Gauteng, eastern parts of North West and Free State, parts of Mpumalanga, the western Bushveld of Limpopo, and northern KwaZulu-Natal. Severe thunderstorms will result in:

• Heavy downpours causing localized flooding of roads, settlements, and low-lying areas.
• Hail with a possibility of damaging properties.
• Strong winds that may disrupt municipal services.
• Excessive lightning, posing risks to outdoor activities and infrastructure.

Residents should remain cautious on roads and avoid flood-prone areas.

Fire Danger Warnings

Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the Limpopo Valley. Communities in this region must take precautions to prevent wildfires, including avoiding open flames or controlled burns.

Advisories for Heat and Discomfort

Extremely uncomfortable weather conditions are predicted along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and the Limpopo Valley. Residents should stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

Weather Outlook by Province

Gauteng

Expect partly cloudy and hot conditions with scattered showers and thundershowers.

• Pretoria: 21°C — 35°C
• Johannesburg: 19°C — 32°C

Mpumalanga

Morning fog will clear for a warm, partly cloudy day with scattered showers and thundershowers.

• Mbombela: 21°C — 29°C
• Skukuza: 23°C — 36°C

Limpopo

Hot to very hot conditions prevail, particularly in the Limpopo Valley, with scattered thunderstorms expected.

• Polokwane: 20°C — 33°C
• Musina: 26°C — 41°C

North West and Free State

Fine mornings will transition into partly cloudy, warm to hot afternoons with scattered thunderstorms.

• Mahikeng: 19°C — 35°C
• Bloemfontein: 15°C — 35°C

KwaZulu-Natal

Morning fog patches inland will give way to partly cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms. Coastal areas will experience cooler conditions.

• Durban: 21°C — 25°C
• Ladysmith: 18°C — 34°C

Western and Eastern Cape

Clear and cool to warm conditions dominate, with localized clouds and showers along the southern coastal regions.

• Cape Town: 15°C — 23°C
• Gqeberha: 17°C — 24°C

Precautionary Measures

1. Flood Safety: Avoid crossing flooded roads and stay indoors during heavy thunderstorms.
2. Fire Precautions: Refrain from open fires and be vigilant in areas prone to wildfires.
3. Heat Safety: Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and limit strenuous outdoor activities.

Stay updated on the latest weather developments and warnings by following SAWS and local authorities. Always prioritize safety during severe weather events.

For more information and alerts, visit the official South African Weather Service.