Severe thunderstorms expected in eastern South Africa on Thursday. Thursday brings a sharp contrast in weather conditions across South Africa, with active and potentially severe thunderstorms expected in the eastern parts of the country, while large areas of the west remain dry and calm. The South African Weather Service has highlighted a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, the eastern Free State and northern KwaZulu-Natal.
In these regions, rain chances range from 60 to 80%, indicating scattered to widespread showers and storms throughout the day. Some of these storms may be intense, producing heavy downpours that could lead to localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas and along susceptible roads. Damaging winds, hail and frequent lightning are also possible, making outdoor activities and travel potentially hazardous at times.
Further south along the KwaZulu-Natal coast and into the eastern Eastern Cape, rain chances are lower, around 30%, but isolated thunderstorms may still develop during the afternoon and evening. While rainfall here is expected to be more hit-and-miss, brief heavy showers and lightning cannot be ruled out. Central parts of the country, including the central Free State, may see a mix of cloud and sunshine with a moderate 30 to 60% chance of afternoon thundershowers, particularly towards the east.
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Conditions improve steadily westward, with the Northern Cape and much of the Western Cape remaining dry, as rain chances drop to near zero. These western regions can expect stable weather with no significant rainfall expected.
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