SA Weather Service Alert: Yellow Level 2 Warning

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in certain areas of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) this Monday and Tuesday. The alert warns of adverse weather conditions that may lead to damage and loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, and livelihoods. The expected thunderstorms are particularly concerning for the southern regions of the Eastern Cape and the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with large amounts of small hail and excessive lightning expected.

Affected Areas

The affected regions include the southern half of the Eastern Cape and the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Both provinces are at significant risk of severe thunderstorms, which could cause various hazards to life and property. The weather service urges people in these areas to take extra caution and prepare for potential disruptions caused by these storms. The alert is valid from 25 November to 26 November 2024.

According to the SAWS, these thunderstorms are expected to bring intense rainfall, possibly leading to flash flooding, damage to infrastructure, and the loss of property. The hailstones could potentially cause significant damage to vehicles, roofs, and crops, while the frequent lightning poses a risk to both property and personal safety.

Severe Thunderstorms and Impacts

As severe thunderstorms are predicted to hit the southern parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, residents can expect the following impacts:

Damage to infrastructure and settlements, both formal and informal.
Property loss, including vehicles and livestock.
Large amounts of small hail can cause damage to roofs, vehicles, and crops.
Excessive lightning could lead to fires or electrical faults.

The SAWS advises all residents in these areas to stay indoors during the storm and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. Drivers should exercise extreme caution as the rain and hail can drastically reduce visibility and road conditions can deteriorate quickly.

Heatwave and Fire Danger

While some parts of the country are gearing up for severe thunderstorms, others are bracing for heatwave conditions. The SAWS has issued a warning for persistently high temperatures over the Matatiele local municipality and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. These high temperatures, combined with dry conditions, could result in fire hazards across the region.

In addition to the heatwave, the weather service has issued fire danger warnings for several areas in the country, including the Northern Cape, northeastern Western Cape, western Eastern Cape, eastern North West Province, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. These areas are at risk of extreme fire conditions, especially in the face of dry and windy conditions. The SAWS advises everyone to be extra cautious and avoid activities that could spark fires in these areas.

Cooler Weather in Gauteng

In contrast to the heatwaves and thunderstorms affecting other regions, Gauteng will experience cooler weather. The province will see partly cloudy skies, with warm to hot conditions in the day, followed by isolated showers and thundershowers. The weather will remain somewhat unpredictable, with brief spells of rain expected throughout the day.

Declining Dam Levels

Meanwhile, the water crisis continues to escalate, with dam levels across the country showing significant declines. The latest report from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) indicates that the national average dam level has dropped to 70%, down from 85% during the same period last year. Several major dams, including the Vaal Dam, Allemanskraal, and Fika Patso, are critically low, further highlighting the urgency of water conservation efforts across the country.

Despite these concerns, some dams are still in relatively good condition. For instance, the Vaalrivier Barrage is at 95.3%, Vanderkloof is at 91.2%, and Sterkfontein is at 97.7%, providing some relief to affected areas. However, the overall picture remains concerning, and continued efforts are needed to manage the country’s water resources effectively.

What You Can Do

Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest weather alerts and warnings from the SAWS.
Take precautions: If you are in an affected area, avoid unnecessary travel and secure your property, especially cars and outdoor equipment.
Prepare for emergencies: Ensure you have access to emergency supplies, such as water, food, and flashlights, in case of power outages or severe flooding.
Be mindful of fire hazards: In fire-prone areas, take extra care with activities that could spark a fire, especially during the heatwave conditions.

As we head into a potentially turbulent few days of weather, it’s essential to stay prepared and vigilant. The SAWS will continue to monitor the situation closely, and further updates will be issued as needed.

Stay safe and plan ahead!