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South African Weather Service warns of severe thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal
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South African Weather Service warns of severe thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The service cautions that heavy downpours, destructive winds, hail, and lightning may trigger localized flooding and damage infrastructure.

The warning applies to several municipal areas, including district, local, and metropolitan municipalities in the central and eastern parts of the province. Listed locations include eThekwini, Big Five Hlabisa, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Mkhambathini, Impendle, Ingwe, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Mpofana, Ndwedwe, Nkandla, Nquthu, Richmond, Mfolozi, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Umdoni, Umlalazi, Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Ulundi, uMhlathuze, uMngeni, uMshwathi, uMvoti, and uMzumbe.

SAWS reported that strong thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, and lightning are expected in the central and eastern parts of KZN, which will lead to localized flooding and damage to settlements and infrastructure.

The meteorological agency warned that storms are capable of damaging residential buildings and infrastructure facilities, causing roads and bridges to flood, and creating dangerous driving conditions. Furthermore, slippery roads and poor visibility may increase the likelihood of traffic accidents, while hail can cause property damage.

Drivers are strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid traveling over bridges and roads in low-lying areas prone to flooding. SAWS also warned of possible funnel cloud formation.

Residents are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, as lightning, hail, and flooding can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. If possible, people should remain inside, away from windows, shelter pets, and move vehicles and livestock to safe, protected areas to guard against hail and flying debris.

Overall, KwaZulu-Natal is expected to have cloudy conditions and morning fog in the south and far western inland region, while other areas will experience variable cloudiness and warmth. Isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the northern and far western regions.

There is a 30% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms in some inland areas, including regions near Free State, North West, the eastern inland region, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. However, precipitation is expected to be localized, meaning some areas may remain dry despite nearby cloud cover.

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Extreme fire danger warning issued due to rising temperatures in some regions of the country
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iol.co.za

Extreme fire danger warning issued due to rising temperatures in some regions of the country

Residents of South Africa are waking up to a Saturday that is generally expected to be warm and favorable, but temperature increases to hot and very hot levels are anticipated in several areas.

The South African Weather Service has issued an extreme fire danger warning for the Nama Khoi municipality in the Northern Cape. Residents in this area are advised to exercise caution, especially when dealing with open flames or engaging in activities that could trigger wildfires.

KwaZulu-Natal is expected to have variable cloudiness and warm weather, with forecasts of isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms in the north and far west of the province. Morning fog is expected over parts of the southern and far western inland areas, while temperatures will be hot in the northwest.

Gauteng is forecast to have clear and warm weather, which will become hot in the far north. A very high UV burn index is expected, so residents should take precautions against prolonged sun exposure.

In Mpumalanga, conditions will be favorable and warm in most areas, although variable cloudiness or cloud cover is expected in the east. Patches of morning fog and the possibility of light rain or drizzle are forecast over Lowveld and the escarpment.

In Limpopo, it will be hot in some western areas, while the rest of the province can expect clear and warm weather. More cloudy conditions, patches of morning fog, and a chance of light rain are forecast along the escarpment and in the Lowveld areas.

The North West province will experience clear and warm or very warm weather, while Free State is expected to be clear and warm or hot before becoming partly cloudy.

In the Northern Cape, the southeast will be partly cloudy, and other areas are expected to have favorable and warm or hot conditions. Temperatures are expected to reach very high levels in some places. Fresh or strong southeasterly winds are forecast along the coast.

In the Western Cape, morning cloud is expected along the western and southern coasts before the weather becomes clear. In most areas, the weather will be cool or warm, but it will be hot along the west coast and over the Central Karoo. A high UV burn index is expected.

The western half of the Eastern Cape may expect favorable and warm or hot conditions after morning fog in some southern areas. The eastern half is forecast to have patches of morning fog south of the escarpment, followed by clear and warm weather.

A very high UV burn index is forecast for Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as a high one for the Western Cape. Residents are advised to limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and use appropriate sun protection.

The main fire hazard concern is related to the Nama Khoi municipality in the Northern Cape, where extremely high fire danger conditions are expected.

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