Today's weather: Severe thunderstorms to strike Northern Cape, Free State and Eastern Cape

South Africa heads into Friday under unstable summer skies, with the South African Weather Service issuing a yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms across parts of the Northern Cape, Free State and Eastern Cape.

Forecasters warn of heavy downpours that may trigger localised flooding of roads and low-lying areas, along with excessive lightning, strong winds and small hail.

The warned area stretches from Kimberley through Bloemfontein towards Aliwal North, where storm activity is expected to intensify through the afternoon.

Central regions and the eastern interior face the highest risk, with rainfall probabilities climbing to 60% in parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape interior.

Much of Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga can also expect stormy conditions, though more isolated in nature, with a 30% chance of showers and thundershowers. The eastern coastline, including Durban and Port St Johns, remains unsettled with a similar 30% rain chance.

The western half of the country stays largely dry. The Western and Northern Cape interior will see another warm, stable day with no rainfall expected. Only Cape Agulhas may see a brief late-afternoon shower at around a 30% chance.

As the festive-season travel period approaches, authorities urge residents and motorists in storm-prone areas to be cautious of sudden flooding, slippery roads and reduced visibility.

IOL News