The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 2 yellow warning for severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, as parts of South Africa will be under threat of heavy rain, hail, destructive winds, and lightning.
Extensive areas of South Africa are expected to face severe thunderstorms on Tuesday. The regions of Gauteng, North West, and other areas will encounter heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and excessive lightning.
The South African Weather Service has declared a Level 2 yellow warning for severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, covering the North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga Highlands, southwestern Limpopo, northern Free State, and the northeasternmost parts of the Northern Cape.
These storms may lead to localized flooding on vulnerable roads, low-lying areas, and bridges, while strong winds and hail can cause localized damage to settlements and infrastructure.
Rainfall forecasts show a 60% probability of showers and thunderstorms in Gauteng and parts of the North West and Mpumalanga, while other central and eastern parts of the country are forecast to have a 30% chance of precipitation.
Gauteng prepares for a cold and stormy Tuesday
Residents of Gauteng may expect a sharp change in weather to cloudy and cold on Tuesday, although temperatures in the far north will be slightly milder. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the province, with a probability of precipitation reaching 60%. The UV index will be moderate.
Thunderstorms will spread to the North West, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. The North West is expected to have cloudiness, wind, and coolness with isolated showers and thunderstorms. This province is under a Level 2 yellow warning and has a 60% chance of rain in some places.
Mpumalanga will be cloudy and cold with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms will become more isolated over northern Lowveld, and the probability of precipitation will reach 60% in some parts of the province.
Limpopo will also experience cloudy and cold conditions, with isolated showers and thunderstorms becoming scattered in the southwestern and south-central areas. The chances of rain in the province range from 30% to 60%.
Rain reaches Free State and Northern Cape
Eastern Free State will be cold, while the rest of the province will be cloudy and cool. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast, which will become scattered in the north. The chances of rain in different parts of the province range from 30% to 60%.
The Northern Cape will mostly be fine and warm, but the east is expected to have partly cloudy conditions and isolated showers and thunderstorms, where the probability of rain is around 30%.
Western Cape avoids thunderstorms
The Western Cape is expected to remain mostly dry, as no rain is indicated in the precipitation forecast. In the morning, the northeastern areas will be partly cloudy, and then the weather will become fine, cool, or warm, with hot conditions along the west coast.
Strong winds are possible along some parts of the coast, and fresh to strong northeasterly winds are expected along the south coast in the morning. Strong or near-stormy southeasterly winds are expected along the southwest coast. The UV index will be very high.
The western half of the Eastern Cape will initially be partly cloudy along the coast, then become fine and cool. The eastern half will be partly cloudy and cool south of the escarpment, later becoming cloudy along the coast.
Evening rain is expected along the coast east of the Kei River with a 30% chance of rain for some parts of the province.
KwaZulu-Natal may experience fog in the morning and evening over inland areas, while the rest of the time will be cloudy and cold or cool. Isolated showers and rain are forecast, which will become scattered along the coast and in the far north. The probability of rain in affected areas ranges from 30% to 60%.