Cold, humid, and windy conditions, heavy thunderstorms, and hail expected in South Africa

Residents of several provinces in South Africa have been warned about the start of the week, which is expected to be rainy and potentially disruptive, as heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, and destructive winds are forecast for Monday.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of warnings based on potential impacts for Monday, September 14th. The most serious is a Level 4 Yellow Warning for disruptive rain over parts of the Western and Northern Cape.

This warning is due to extensive rain and thunderstorms expected in many areas of the western and central parts of the country.

Flood threat due to heavy rainfall

According to SAWS data, there is an 80% probability of rain and thunderstorms over a vast area stretching from parts of the Western Cape to the Northern Cape. In other parts of the Northern Cape and the central inland region, there is a 60% chance of downpours and thunderstorms, while in some areas of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, the probability of rain is 30%.

Isolated showers are also expected in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga with a probability of around 30%. The Level 4 Yellow Warning for disruptive rain covers the territories of the Western Cape and parts of the Northern Cape. SAWS warns that the precipitation may lead to flooding of roads and settlements, as well as cause serious disruptions to transport.

Severe thunderstorms threaten the Northern and Western Cape

Additionally, a Level 2 Yellow Warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for parts of the Northern and Western Cape. These storms could trigger localized flooding on vulnerable roads, low-lying areas, and bridges, and cause local damage to settlements in open areas.

A Level 1 Yellow Warning for severe thunderstorms is in effect in parts of the Eastern Cape, where storms are capable of damaging settlements and temporary structures, as well as causing local power and communication outages.

Destructive winds will blow across inland areas and the coast

Strong winds will exacerbate the complex weather conditions on Monday. A Level 2 Yellow Warning for destructive winds applies to a large inland area, including parts of the Northern Cape, North West province, Free State, and Limpopo. The weather service warns of possible localized damage to settlements.

Along the coastlines of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, Level 1 and Level 2 warnings for destructive winds are in effect. The Level 2 warning for the coast includes a risk to the navigation of small boats and vessels, as well as possible disruptions to small harbors, ports, and beach activities. In other areas along the affected coast, destructive winds may cause localized damage to settlements, power and communication outages, and hinder navigation.

South Africa is preparing for strong thunderstorms, heavy precipitation, hail, and strong winds on Monday. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for some regions of the country.

Residents of South Africa should prepare for a rainy and stormy Monday, as strong thunderstorms, intense rainfall, hail, and wind gusts are forecast in many parts of the country. SAWS has declared an Orange Level 6 warning for severe thunderstorms, with rainfall of 30 to 50 mm possible in affected areas.

These storms may be accompanied by winds exceeding 40 km/h, stronger gusts, more hail, and excessive lightning. SAWS warned that such conditions could trigger localized flooding in roads and informal settlements, serious transport disruptions, structural damage, falling trees, and power outages.

Additionally, a Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for some areas in the North West, Free State, and along the border with Lesotho, where localized flooding and strong winds are possible.

Gauteng is expected to have cloudy and cool weather on Monday with scattered rain and thunderstorms. Temperatures in Johannesburg will range from 10°C to 14°C, in Pretoria from 13°C to 16°C, and in Soweto from 11°C to 15°C.

In the Free State, cloudy, cool, and humid weather will persist with a risk of heavy rain, especially in the central and eastern parts of the province. Temperatures are forecast to fluctuate between 10°C and 19°C in Bloemfontein, 12°C and 19°C in Welkom, and 9°C and 13°C in Bethlehem.

The North West is expected to have cool conditions, widespread precipitation, and moderate to strong winds. Temperatures in Mahikeng will range from 14°C to 20°C, in Rustenburg from 13°C to 19°C, and in Potchefstroom from 12°C to 19°C.

KwaZulu-Natal will face cold or cool weather accompanied by widespread rain and scattered thunderstorms. Temperatures in Durban are expected to be from 16°C to 21°C, in Pietermaritzburg from 8°C to 18°C, and in Ladysmith from 9°C to 16°C.

Limpopo is expected to have partly cloudy or cloudy weather with isolated showers. Temperatures are forecast to be between 12°C and 18°C in Polokwane and 17°C to 23°C in Musina.

The Eastern Cape will experience cool conditions with scattered rain expected both inland and along the coast. In Gqeberha, temperatures will range from 15°C to 23°C, and in East London from 16°C to 21°C.

Conditions in the Northern Cape will vary from cold to warm. Strong thunderstorms are possible in the eastern parts of the province, while western areas are expected to remain sunny and dry. Temperatures in Kimberley will range from 11°C to 22°C, and in Upington from 12°C to 27°C.

Most of the Western Cape should be warm and sunny. However, a Yellow Level 2 warning for destructive winds remains in effect along the southwest coast. Temperatures in Cape Town are expected to be from 15°C to 29°C, and in George from 11°C to 27°C.

SAWS strongly urged residents in affected inland areas to take necessary precautions due to the movement of severe weather across the country. Residents were advised to avoid crossing low bridges and exercise extra caution when traveling, especially in areas where heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected. Drivers are advised to closely monitor changing road conditions, especially where heavy precipitation may lead to flooding and reduced visibility.