The South African Weather Service has issued Level 2 yellow warnings for severe thunderstorms across the provinces of Gauteng, parts of the North West, and Limpopo for Wednesday. Residents in various parts of the country will face another period of adverse weather, including strong thunderstorms, damaging winds, and the risk of flooding in central areas.
Simultaneously, the extreme fire danger level remains high in certain sectors of the Western and Northern Cape.
For Wednesday, September 30th, the South African Weather Service announced a Level 2 yellow warning for severe thunderstorms over Gauteng, central Eastern North West, and central and western Limpopo. Heavy rain, strong destructive winds, hail, and excessive lightning are expected. Meteorologists warn that the storms could lead to localized flooding on vulnerable roads, low-lying areas, and bridges, as well as damage to settlements and infrastructure.
Precipitation forecasts indicate a 60% probability of scattered rain and thunderstorms in many areas of Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. In some parts of the North West and KwaZulu-Natal, the probability of isolated rain and thunderstorms is 30%, and isolated rains are also expected along the East Cape coast.
Gauteng prepares for cold and stormy conditions
Wednesday in Gauteng is expected to bring cloudiness and cold, accompanied by scattered rain and thunderstorm showers. The province is under a Level 2 yellow severe thunderstorm warning, putting residents at risk of heavy downpours, hail, damaging winds, and excessive lightning. Drivers are strongly advised to exercise extra caution where heavy rain affects roads, as localized flooding is possible in vulnerable spots.
Cold and humid conditions for Limpopo and Mpumalanga
Limpopo is expected to be cloudy and cold, with scattered rain and thunderstorm showers. The severe thunderstorm warning applies to the central and western parts of the province. Mpumalanga may also expect an unsettled day with cloudy and cold to very cold weather, accompanied by scattered rain and thunderstorm showers. The probability of precipitation across the province is forecast at around 60%.
The North West will be cloudy, windy, and cold to cool before becoming partly cloudy. Scattered rain and thunderstorm showers are expected, with the central and eastern parts included in the Level 2 yellow warning.
Destructive winds threaten the East Cape coast
A separate Level 2 yellow warning for destructive winds has been issued for the municipalities of Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, as well as the municipalities of Ndlambe Valley, Ngqushwa, and Sandayrs River. These winds may cause localized damage to settlements, disrupt beach activities, and create difficult navigation conditions.
The western half of the East Cape will be partly cloudy in the south early in the day, then become clear and cool to warm. The eastern half will be cloudy along the coast initially, with rain expected east of the Kei River, after which the weather will become clear and cool elsewhere.
Free State will be cool with scattered storms
East Free State will first be cloudy, then become partly cloudy, windy, and cold to cool. Isolated or scattered rain and thunderstorm showers are forecast, except in the southeastern parts of the province. KwaZulu-Natal may experience morning fog inland, followed by cloudy and cool to cold conditions. Isolated rain and precipitation are forecast, corresponding to approximately a 30% probability in affected areas.
Fire danger and extreme heat in the west
While the northeastern inland areas face storms and cold weather, parts of the western region face a completely different threat. For the municipalities of Matzikama, Cederberg, and Bergrivier in the Western Cape, as well as Camiesberg in the Northern Cape, extremely high fire danger is forecast. Very hot and uncomfortable conditions are also expected in Camiesberg.
Otherwise, the Western Cape will be clear and warm to hot, becoming very hot over the West Coast district. The UV index in the province is expected to be very high. The Northern Cape will be partly cloudy in the northeast, where isolated rain and thunderstorms are possible, but otherwise, the weather will be clear, windy, and cool to warm. Patches of morning fog are expected along the coast.
