Today’s Weather Forecast & Regional Impact: Heavy Rain to Persist in Parts of South Africa

Today’s Weather Forecast

South Africans are in for another wet and stormy day as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding across various regions. The latest forecast predicts severe thunderstorms in parts of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), while fire dangers persist in the Northern Cape.

Here’s a detailed look at today’s weather conditions and their impact across different provinces.

Severe Weather Warnings for Monday, 24 February

Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Expected

• Limpopo: Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected, particularly in the northern and western parts of the province. Residents should be on high alert for localised flooding and infrastructure damage.
• KwaZulu-Natal (KZN): The north-eastern parts of the province will experience disruptive rain, increasing the risk of flooding and damage to homes, roads, and businesses.

Strong Winds to Hit the Western Cape

• The Western Cape will see strong south-easterly winds developing in the afternoon between Lambert’s Bay and Cape Point.
• These conditions will intensify and extend to Cape Agulhas by Tuesday.

Fire Risk in the Northern Cape

• In the Hantam and Kareeberg municipalities, hot and dry conditions continue to pose a fire hazard.
• Authorities advise residents to exercise caution when using open flames or working with dry vegetation.

Provincial Weather Forecast for South Africa

Gauteng:

• Conditions: Partly cloudy and warm with scattered showers and thundershowers.
• UVB Index: Very high, so sunscreen and protective clothing are recommended.

Mpumalanga:

• Conditions: Cloudy with morning fog patches along the escarpment, turning cool to warm with isolated showers and thundershowers.
• Weather in the West: Partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms.
• Lowveld: Expect hot temperatures.

Limpopo:

• Conditions: Cloudy and warm with scattered showers and thundershowers, but only isolated rain in the south-east.
• Morning Fog: Expected along the escarpment.

North West:

• Conditions: Partly cloudy and cool to warm.
• Showers: Isolated in the central regions, but scattered thunderstorms in the east.

Free State:

• Conditions: Partly cloudy and cool to warm.
• Rain: Isolated showers and thundershowers in central parts, with scattered rain in the east.

Northern Cape:

• Conditions: Fine and warm to hot, turning partly cloudy over the east and the interior.
• Wind: Light to moderate southerly to south-easterly winds, strengthening in the afternoon.
• Fire Danger: A high risk of fires persists in certain areas.

Western Cape:

• Conditions: Fine in the western regions, but cloudy and warm to hot elsewhere.
• Rain: Light showers expected along the south coast.
• Wind: Fresh to strong south-easterly winds along the west coast, turning moderate easterly along the south coast before shifting southerly in the afternoon.

Eastern Cape (Western Half):

• Conditions: Fine in the extreme north, otherwise partly cloudy and cool to warm.
• Rain: Isolated showers and rain expected in the southern regions.
• Wind: Light to moderate south-easterly, shifting southerly in the evening.

Eastern Cape (Eastern Half):

• Conditions: Fine in the northwest initially, but cloudy and cool with isolated showers and rain south of the escarpment.
• Wind: Light to moderate south-westerly, turning south-easterly in the evening.

KwaZulu-Natal:

• Conditions: Morning fog over the interior, otherwise cloudy and warm.
• Showers: Isolated showers and thundershowers, with scattered rain in the extreme north-east.
• Wind: Moderate southerly to south-easterly winds along the coast.

Regional Impact & Safety Tips

Flood Risks & Precautions

• Limpopo and KZN residents should prepare for possible flash floods by avoiding low-lying areas and staying away from riverbanks.
• Motorists are advised to drive cautiously in affected regions due to poor visibility and slippery roads.

Fire Risk in the Northern Cape

• The public should avoid starting open fires and should report any signs of wildfires immediately.

Western Cape Wind Alerts

• Strong winds could lead to property damage and dangerous sea conditions.
• Those in coastal areas should secure outdoor furniture and be cautious of large waves and rough seas.

As heavy rain and thunderstorms persist in several provinces, residents must stay alert for weather warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. Strong winds, fire risks, and flooding hazards are among the biggest concerns today. Keep an eye on weather updates from SAWS and follow emergency guidelines to stay safe.

Stay prepared, and stay safe!