Weekend weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected across large parts of SA

Saturday is shaping up to be a wet and potentially disruptive day across large parts of South Africa, especially over the central and eastern regions, where widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the highest rainfall risk is over Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the north-eastern parts of Gauteng, where rain chances rise to about 80%.

These areas can expect frequent showers and thunderstorms with heavy downpours that may lead to flooding in low-lying areas and along major routes.

Across the rest of Gauteng, the Free State and North West, rain will be scattered but still significant, with around a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. 

Some storms may be intense, bringing heavy rain over short periods, gusty winds and the possibility of small hail.

KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape will see more isolated activity, with rain chances near 30%, mainly later in the day. Coastal areas from Port Shepstone to Durban may get brief but locally heavy showers.

The southern Cape, including the Garden Route and parts of the Western Cape south coast, also has about a 30% chance of showers, while much of the interior of the Northern Cape and far western areas will remain dry with nil rainfall expected.

IOL News