Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorms & Heavy Downpours Expected
South Africa is bracing for intense weather conditions today as heavy downpours, severe thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected to hit several provinces. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued severe weather warnings, urging residents to stay alert and take precautions.
Weather Forecast Across South Africa’s Nine Provinces
Gauteng
Cloudy and warm conditions are expected, with scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers. Residents should be prepared for sudden weather changes.
🔆 UVB Index: Moderate
Mpumalanga
The province will experience morning fog patches over the southern Highveld, followed by cloudy and cool to warm weather with scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers, particularly in the west.
Limpopo
Cloudy and warm conditions will dominate, with scattered showers and thundershowers expected across the region. Areas along the escarpment may experience cooler temperatures.
North West
The western parts will start off fine, but the rest of the province will see partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions. Scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers are expected, with isolated rain in the west.
Free State
Partly cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are predicted. The western region will have clear skies in the morning before rain moves in.
Northern Cape
Fine and hot to very hot weather is expected, with isolated showers and thundershowers in the extreme southeastern parts. Along the coast, fresh to strong south-easterly winds will persist.
Western Cape
Partly cloudy and warm conditions are forecasted, with isolated light rain and showers along the coast and adjacent interior by the afternoon. Strong winds are expected along the southwest coast.
🔆 UVB Index: Very high
Eastern Cape
The western half will have cloudy conditions along the coast, with isolated showers and rain. The eastern half will experience cloudy and cool conditions, with scattered showers and rain south of the escarpment.
KwaZulu-Natal
Morning fog patches in some areas will give way to cloudy and cool-to-warm conditions, with scattered showers and thundershowers expected throughout the day.
🔆 UVB Index: High
Severe Weather Alerts
Impact-Based Warnings
⚠️ Yellow Level 2 Warning – Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail, and heavy downpours are expected in:
- Gauteng
- Eastern parts of the Free State and North West
- Southwestern Bushveld of Limpopo
- Western Highveld of Mpumalanga
- Extreme western and northeastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal
⚠️ Yellow Level 2 Warning – Disruptive rainfall may cause localized flooding in informal settlements, low-lying areas, and bridges in parts of Limpopo, particularly in the Lowveld and valley regions.
⚠️ Yellow Level 1 Warning – Strong winds and rough seas may create difficult navigation conditions between Alexander Bay and Cape Agulhas.
Fire Danger Warnings
🔥 Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in:
- Western and central Northern Cape
- West Coast District Municipality in the Western Cape
Safety Tips for Severe Weather
- Avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas during heavy rain.
- If driving, reduce speed and maintain a safe following distance.
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid standing under trees or near tall objects.
- Secure loose outdoor items to prevent damage from strong winds.
- If you live in a high-risk area, have an emergency plan in place.
Stay Informed
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