Weather warning: Severe storms expected in large parts of SA this weekend
Severe thunderstorms forecast for South Africa this weekend.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Media.
The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms as a weather pattern sets the stage for a wet and stormy weekend across large parts of the country.
Saturday will see scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers developing over the central and eastern interior. Rain chances sit at 60% across a broad band stretching from the North West and Free State into KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Eastern Cape.
Some areas in the southern interior have an 80% chance of rain, with storms becoming widespread. Along the far eastern coastline, including parts of KwaZulu-Natal, rain chances are around 30%.
The western interior, including much of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape, is expected to remain dry with little to no rainfall.
Saturday brings the risk of severe thunderstorms capable of producing excessive lightning, heavy downpours and small hail.
Localised flooding of low-lying roads and settlements will be possible, especially in areas that see repeated storm activity. Motorists are urged to be cautious during heavy downpours as visibility may drop rapidly.
By Sunday, storm activity intensifies and spreads further. Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected over the central and southern parts of the country, with rain chances increasing to 80% in some areas.
A large swathe of the interior faces the possibility of severe thunderstorms once again, particularly across the Free State, Northern Cape interior and into the Eastern Cape.
Scattered storms with a 60% chance of rain are forecast over parts of the Highveld and eastern interior, while the far northeast may see more isolated activity with a 30% chance of rain.
Temperatures will remain warm to hot in many areas ahead of the storms, adding fuel to the unstable conditions.
Residents in affected regions should stay updated with the latest forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions throughout the weekend.
IOL News