Wendy Dondolo|Published
South Africans can expect a mixed bag of weather on Tuesday, with severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours and possible flooding threatening parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape, according to the South African Weather Service.
While several inland provinces are expected to experience warm to hot conditions, cloudy skies and scattered showers will dominate parts of the eastern half of the country.
Residents in areas affected by severe weather warnings are urged to remain alert as thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, hail, excessive lightning and localised flooding.
Severe weather warnings issued for KZN and Eastern Cape
The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 4 impact-based warning for severe thunderstorms over the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and lightning could result in flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas. Some roads and bridges could become impassable, while damage to infrastructure, property, vehicles and livestock is also possible.
A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where severe thunderstorms could cause localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements.
Along the coast and adjacent interior east of Cape St Francis, a separate Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall indicates the possibility of localised flooding affecting settlements, roads and bridges.
Gauteng
Gauteng is expected to be partly cloudy and warm on Tuesday, although temperatures will be hot in the north. Isolated showers and thundershowers are forecast, bringing the possibility of brief rainfall in some areas.
The chance of rain is around 30 percent, with storms likely to remain isolated rather than widespread. Residents should also take note of the high UVB sunburn index, particularly during the warmer parts of the day.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga will experience partly cloudy and warm conditions, with isolated showers and thundershowers across the province. Scattered storms are expected in the eastern parts, where cloudy conditions are likely to persist.
Rain chances range from around 30% in areas where showers are isolated to 60 percent in areas expecting more widespread storm activity. The Lowveld and escarpment could experience severe thunderstorms in places, bringing heavy downpours, hail, excessive lightning and strong gusty winds.
Extremely hot conditions are also expected in parts of the Mpumalanga Lowveld. Residents should remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges.
Limpopo
Limpopo is forecast to be fine in the north during the morning, before partly cloudy skies develop elsewhere. Temperatures will be hot to very hot, with isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers expected.
Rain chances are generally around 30% in areas expecting isolated storms, although the eastern parts could experience a greater likelihood of thunderstorms.
Extremely hot temperatures are expected over the extreme south-central parts and the Lowveld of Limpopo. Residents should stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods and remain alert to changing weather conditions.
North West and Free State
North West is expected to be partly cloudy, with morning showers over the northeastern parts before conditions become fine, windy and hot. Rain chances are around 30% in areas where isolated showers are expected.
The Free State will also start with partly cloudy conditions and morning showers over the eastern parts. The weather is expected to become fine, windy and warm later in the day, with a lower likelihood of further rainfall outside the eastern areas.
Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over most of North West and the northern parts of the Free State. Residents are urged to avoid activities that could spark veld fires, particularly as warm and windy conditions may allow fires to spread rapidly.
Western Cape
The Western Cape will experience fine and warm conditions in the west, while the rest of the province is expected to be partly cloudy. Isolated morning showers are possible along the eastern part of the south coast.
Rain chances are around 30% in areas where isolated showers are forecast, while much of the province should remain dry.
Moderate south to south-westerly winds are expected along the coast. The UVB sunburn index will be extreme, and residents are advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Fire danger and safety precautions
Despite the expected rainfall in the eastern parts of the country, extremely high fire danger conditions are forecast over most of North West, northern Free State and the Limpopo Valley. The public should avoid open fires and other activities that could ignite dry vegetation.
Residents in thunderstorm-prone areas should secure loose outdoor items, stay indoors during severe lightning and avoid standing under trees during storms.
Motorists are urged to slow down in heavy rain, avoid flooded roads and never attempt to cross overflowing bridges.
IOL News