Cold, humid, and unstable weather, accompanied by widespread and localized downpours and thunderstorms, is forecast for various parts of South Africa on Friday. Several severe weather warnings are in effect.
The most severe weather conditions are expected in the east-central regions of the Northern Cape, where a Level 5 thunderstorm warning has been issued. Heavy rainfall could lead to the flooding of settlements, roads, and bridges, while strong winds, large hail, falling trees, and excessive lightning can cause damage and disrupt municipal services. The percentage of precipitation in the affected areas may reach 80%.
A Level 4 thunderstorm warning applies to the central and eastern Northern Cape, western Free State, parts of the North West province, and southern KwaZulu-Natal. In these regions, localized flooding, damaging winds, hail, fallen trees, and frequent lightning are possible. The probability of rain here ranges from 60% to 80%, with the highest chances observed in the central inland areas.
Free State and North West will be particularly cloudy, windy, and cool or cold, with scattered and extensive showers and thunderstorms.
Lightning and gusty wind warning
Severe thunderstorms may cause localized wind and hail damage in the eastern parts of the Free State, North West, and southern Gauteng. In Gauteng, variable cloudiness is expected first, followed by cloudy, cool or warm skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, and residents should be vigilant regarding lightning, gusty winds, and localized showers.
Cloudy conditions are expected in the Mpumalanga province, which will become more overcast from the south during the day. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast, becoming scattered in the southwest, with the probability of rain varying from approximately 30% in the north to 60% in the more affected southern areas. It will be warm, and it will become hot in some places in Lowveld.
Limpopo will be partly cloudy and warm or hot, with isolated showers and thunderstorms before cloud cover increases from the west during the day. The probability of rain here is 30%.
The Northern Cape will face an especially unstable day. The western part will be partly cloudy with morning showers and thunderstorms, while the central and eastern areas will be cloudy, cool or cold, and affected by scattered or extensive showers and thunderstorms. In the wetter central and eastern areas, the probability of rain is between 60% and 80%. Strong southeasterly winds along the coast will exacerbate the unpleasant conditions.
In the Western Cape, cloudy, cool, or cold weather prevails, with isolated morning showers and rain in the central and eastern parts, before the weather becomes partly cloudy in the western part during the day. The probability of rain is 30%, with a local increase over the eastern inland area. Fresh or strong southeasterly winds are expected along the coast, leading to warnings for damaging winds and waves between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay.
The Eastern Cape will remain cold and humid. The western half will experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, while the eastern half will face extensive showers and thunderstorms, with a probability of 60% to 80%.
Dangerous sea conditions
Light snowfall is possible on the extreme northeastern ridge, especially on elevated areas, leading to very cold weather in surrounding areas. KwaZulu-Natal will be cloudy and cool or cold, although it will be warmer in the northeast. Extensive showers and thunderstorms are expected in the western and southern parts, with scattered activity elsewhere. Strong southerly or southwesterly winds along the coast contribute to dangerous sea conditions, with warnings for damaging winds and waves.
Overall, Friday will be a day of high weather impact for most of the country. The central inland area is of greatest concern, where rain, strong thunderstorms, floods, hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning can create hazardous conditions for travel and disrupt community life. Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor the weather and take immediate shelter when strong thunderstorms approach.