Today’s Weather Update
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several weather warnings for Wednesday, March 12, 2025, affecting various regions across the country. Residents in Gauteng, North West, Free State, Limpopo, and the Western Cape should prepare for severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and heightened fire risks.
Severe Thunderstorms in Gauteng and North West
A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms in parts of Gauteng and the North West provinces. These storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall, leading to localized flooding in susceptible areas such as roads and settlements. Additionally, there is a risk of damage to infrastructure, property, vehicles, and livestock.
In Gauteng, residents can anticipate partly cloudy and cool to warm conditions, with isolated showers and thundershowers throughout the day. The UVB sunburn index is high, so appropriate sun protection measures are advised.
Similarly, the North West province will experience partly cloudy to cloudy and warm weather, with scattered showers and thundershowers expected, particularly in the central regions.
Strong Winds in the Western Cape
The Western Cape is under a Yellow Level 4 warning for damaging winds, effective from Wednesday evening through Friday. Strong south-easterly winds are forecasted, ranging from 50 to 70 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h between Saldanha Bay and Plettenberg Bay.
These winds pose several risks, including:
- Difficulty in navigation at sea, leading to dangerous conditions for small vessels.
- Potential uprooting of trees and structural damage to informal and formal settlements.
- Increased risk of wildfires due to the combination of strong winds and dry conditions.
Residents are advised to secure loose objects, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated with local weather reports.
Fire Danger Warnings
Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in parts of the Northern Cape’s Namakwa district and the Western Cape’s West Coast district. The combination of hot temperatures and strong winds elevates the risk of rapid fire spread. Residents in these areas should exercise caution, avoid open flames, and report any fires to local authorities promptly.
Safety Precautions
Given the forecasted severe weather conditions by SAWS, residents in the affected areas should take the following precautions:
- For Thunderstorms and Flooding:
- Avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges.
- Seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms to avoid lightning strikes.
- Secure outdoor items that could be blown away or damaged by strong winds.
- For Strong Winds:
- Secure loose objects around your property.
- Stay clear of tall trees and power lines that may be brought down by strong gusts.
- Postpone unnecessary travel, especially in high-profile vehicles susceptible to wind.
- For Fire Risks:
- Refrain from outdoor burning or activities that could ignite fires.
- Keep firefighting equipment accessible and ensure that firebreaks are maintained.
- Report any signs of wildfire to authorities immediately.
The severe weather conditions forecasted for March 12, 2025, necessitate heightened awareness and preparedness from residents in the affected regions. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can mitigate the risks posed by these adverse weather events. Regularly consult updates from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and local news outlets to stay abreast of any changes in weather conditions.
