Today’s weather: Central and eastern SA brace for severe storms and heavy rainfall

Residents brace for severe thunderstorms as weather warnings are issued across central and eastern South Africa. South Africans can expect an active and unsettled day of weather on Tuesday as widespread showers and thunderstorms develop across much of the country’s central and eastern interior, with the risk of severe storms in several provinces. According to the South African Weather Service, a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued over parts of the southern interior, including areas of the Eastern Cape and adjoining regions.

Heavy downpours are expected, which could lead to localised flooding of susceptible roads and settlements, as well as low-lying bridges. A Yellow Level 2 warning is in place across a broad stretch of the central interior, where strong thunderstorms with heavy rainfall are also likely. Rainfall is expected to be widespread over the central and eastern parts of the country, with a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers across much of the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and large parts of the Eastern Cape.

Some of these storms may become severe, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. In Limpopo, a 30% chance of isolated showers and thundershowers is forecast, mainly over the southern and central areas, while the far northern parts are likely to remain mostly dry. The Northern Cape will see more isolated activity, with a 30% chance of showers over the central and eastern regions, while the far western areas are expected to stay dry and hot.

[paywall]

The Western Cape will experience partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers along the south coast and adjacent interior, where there is a 30% chance of rain. The remainder of the province, especially the western and south-western areas, is expected to remain largely dry. Motorists are urged to exercise caution in areas under warning, as heavy downpours may reduce visibility and cause water to accumulate rapidly on roads.

Residents in flood-prone areas should remain alert to rapidly changing conditions as thunderstorms intensify during the day. The unsettled pattern is expected to persist into the evening, with storms gradually easing overnight in some areas, although further updates may be issued should conditions worsen.

[/paywall]