Thunderstorms expected in several parts of the country

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Severe thunderstorms are expected over the North West, Gauteng, extreme south western Mpumalanga and eastern and central parts of the Free state as well as the western parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal and parts of the Easter Cape.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Sunday said isolated showers and thundershowers can be expected over the east and central parts of the country.

“Along the south-west parts of the country a cold front is expected to make landfall resulting in showers and rain along the south coast,” meteorologist at the SAWS, Samkelisiwe Thwala said.

Yellow level 2 and Yellow level 1 warnings have also been issued.

“A Yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms causing heavy downpours, large amounts of small hail, strong damaging winds and excessive lightning that will result in localised flooding of susceptible settlements, roads and low-lying areas, localised damage to properties as well as localised disruptions to municipal services are expected over the North West, Gauteng, extreme south western Mpumalanga and eastern and central parts of Free state as well as the western parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal and extreme eastern parts of the Easter Cape.

“A Yellow level 1 warning for damaging winds leading to difficulty in navigation at sea, and small vessels at risk of capsizing in locality is expected between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay as well as between Coffee Bay and Port Edwards,” she said.

In addition, a Yellow level 1 warning for strong damaging winds that could lead to localised damage to settlements both formal and informal, are expected in places over Chris Hani District Municipality, Walter Sisulu Local Municipality and Senqu Local Municipality as well as the central and the southern parts of Northern Cape and over the western parts of the Free State.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the national Reconciliation Day message to the nation in Vredendal in the Western Cape tomorrow.

“Sunny conditions can be expected with cool temperatures with no anticipation of adverse weather,” Thwala said of Monday’s commemoration.

Asked on whether Gauteng can expect  heatwave conditions in the new week, Thwala said there “is no heatwave expected for the upcoming week as temperatures are expected to range between warm and hot.”

She urged holiday makers visiting various places across the country to stay safe and adhere to the severe weather alerts issued. -SAnews.gov.za