Today’s Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorms Forecast for Two Provinces

Today’s Weather Alert

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Residents in these areas should brace themselves for potential flooding and stay alert to weather updates as the severe thunderstorms unfold on Monday. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for the day ahead.

Severe Weather Warnings

Thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape

• Regions affected:
  • South-western KwaZulu-Natal
  • Extreme north-eastern areas of the Eastern Cape
• Impacts:
  • Flash flooding in low-lying areas
  • Disruption to outdoor activities and travel
  • Localized damage to infrastructure and crops

Residents in these areas are urged to avoid crossing flooded roads and streams and to secure outdoor objects that could be displaced by strong winds.

Damaging Winds in Northern and Western Cape

• Warning Level: Yellow level 1
• Duration: Monday through Tuesday
• Areas affected:
  • Northern Cape and Western Cape coastal regions, including Cape Point, Alexander Bay, and the Cape Metropole

Strong southerly to south-easterly winds are expected to intensify on Monday afternoon, posing risks to marine activities and high-profile vehicles on exposed roads.

Extremely High Fire Danger

• Areas affected:
  • Eastern parts of the Northern Cape
  • Matzikama and Bergrivier regions of the Western Cape

These conditions increase the risk of runaway fires. Residents in affected areas should avoid open flames and ensure compliance with local fire safety regulations.

Provincial Weather Breakdown

Gauteng

• Forecast: Fine and warm to hot, becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon.
• Advice: Wear sunscreen as the UVB sunburn index is high.

Mpumalanga

• Forecast: Fine in the Highveld, partly cloudy and warm to hot elsewhere, with isolated showers expected in the afternoon.

Limpopo

• Forecast: Partly cloudy and warm, with isolated showers along the escarpment and Lowveld.

North West

• Forecast: Fine and warm to hot, becoming partly cloudy with isolated showers and thundershowers.

Free State

• Forecast: Fine in the east, partly cloudy and warm to hot elsewhere, with isolated showers and thundershowers.

Coastal Provinces

Northern Cape

• Forecast: Cool along the coast, hot to very hot inland, with isolated thundershowers in the north-east. Winds will pick up in the evening.

Western Cape

• Forecast: Cloudy with morning rain over south-western areas, clearing by the afternoon. Hot temperatures expected in the West Coast District.

Eastern Cape

• Western Half: Partly cloudy in the north, cloudy with warm conditions and isolated rain in the south.
• Eastern Half: Cool to warm, with isolated thundershowers and rain south of the escarpment.

KwaZulu-Natal

• Forecast: Cloudy and warm with isolated showers and thundershowers, becoming scattered in the south and west.

Safety Tips for Severe Weather

1. Stay informed: Follow SAWS updates on weather warnings.
2. Prepare your property: Clear drains and gutters to reduce flooding risks.
3. Travel cautiously: Avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm periods.
4. Fire safety: Refrain from outdoor burning in areas under fire danger warnings.
5. Secure items: Tie down loose outdoor objects to prevent wind damage.

Severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, damaging winds, and high fire risks, are expected to impact various provinces on Monday. By staying prepared and vigilant, residents can minimize the risks associated with these conditions. For real-time updates, visit the SAWS website or follow their social media channels.