Thundershowers are forecast for most parts of South Africa, with severe conditions and strong, damaging winds expected in the North West, Northern Cape, and Free State, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Severe Weather Warnings and Risks
A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for the Free State, the central and western parts of the North West, and the central and southern parts of the Northern Cape. This warning covers severe thunderstorms that may bring heavy downpours and strong winds.
These conditions could lead to localised flooding and may cause damage to infrastructure as well as formal and informal settlements. Residents in these regions are advised to exercise caution.
Understanding the Warning System
The SAWS uses a colour-coded system to communicate risk levels to the public. Yellow indicates a moderate risk of impact that requires awareness, and caution.
In contrast, orange indicates a higher-risk impact is expected, which requires increased preparation and attention.
Regional Weather Advisories
Incredibly cold, wet, and windy conditions are expected from Sunday into Monday. These conditions will likely affect the City of Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Central Karoo, the western parts of the Overberg districts in the Western Cape, and the southern parts of the Namakwa district of the Northern Cape.
Provincial Forecasts
Gauteng: Expect cloudy and cool conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers. Temperatures in Johannesburg are forecast between 11°C and 15°C, while Pretoria may range from 12°C to 16°C.
Mpumalanga and Limpopo: Both provinces may experience morning fog patches along the escarpment. The rest of the regions will be cloudy and cold to cool with isolated showers and thundershowers.
North West and Free State: The North West is expected to be cloudy, windy, and cool to cold with scattered showers and thundershowers, though these may be isolated in the east. The Free State will also be cloudy and cool to cold with scattered showers and thundershowers.
Northern Cape: Conditions will be fine and warm, becoming hot in Kamiesberg Local Municipality. The east will be partly cloudy and warm with isolated showers and thundershowers, while central areas may observe scattered storms. Fog is expected along the coast starting in the evening.
Western Cape: The west will remain fine and hot along the West Coast District Municipality. Other areas will be partly cloudy and warm, with isolated showers and thundershowers possible in the east from the late afternoon.
Eastern Cape: The western half will be partly cloudy and cool, though warm along the coast and adjacent interior. The eastern half will be partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated thundershowers, while areas north of the escarpment may be cloudy and cold with scattered thundershowers.
KwaZulu-Natal: Morning fog is expected over the western interior. The province will otherwise be cloudy and cold to cool with isolated showers and rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Yellow Level 2 warning signify?
A Yellow Level 2 warning indicates a moderate risk of impact that requires caution and awareness. In this specific instance, it warns of severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours and strong, damaging winds.
Which areas are most susceptible to flooding?
Localised flooding is expected over the Free State, the central and western parts of the North West, and the central and southern parts of the Northern Cape.
What weather is expected in the Western Cape from Sunday into Monday?
The City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Central Karoo, western parts of the Overberg districts, and the southern parts of the Namakwa district of the Northern Cape are expected to experience very cold, wet, and windy conditions.
How are you preparing your home and surroundings for the forecast of severe thundershowers?
