The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of severe thunderstorms expected to lash parts of the central interior on Monday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and hail.
According to SAWS, a cut-off low-pressure system is moving in from the northwestern interior toward the Eastern Cape, creating conditions conducive to significant cloud build-up and intense downpours in several regions.
“As the cut-off low-pressure system approaches the country from the west, it will lead to conditions favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, resulting in heavy downpours, strong winds and hail over most parts of the Northern Cape and Free State, except the north-eastern parts today, as well as western parts of North West and central Free State tomorrow afternoon,” the weather service said.
The severe weather is expected to impact large parts of the Northern Cape and Free State, with western areas of North West also likely to experience storm activity.
Forecasters have cautioned that the heavy rainfall could lead to flooding of susceptible roads, settlements and low-lying bridges, while strong and potentially damaging winds may pose additional risks to infrastructure and communities.
For Tuesday, cloudy conditions are expected to persist over the central and eastern interior, while other parts of the country will see partly cloudy skies with cool to warm temperatures — and hot conditions in some areas. Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are forecast.
SAWS meteorologist Tokelo Chiloane confirmed that a Yellow Level 4 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms over the western parts of the Eastern Cape and southern areas of KwaZulu-Natal. These storms are expected to bring heavy downpours and possible flooding of vulnerable roads, settlements and low-lying areas.
In addition, a Yellow Level 2 warning remains in place for the central and eastern interior due to the risk of localised flooding.
Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges, and keep updated with official weather advisories as conditions develop.
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