Severe Thunderstorms and Heatwave Set to Hit Parts of South Africa

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an urgent warning for severe weather conditions across multiple provinces, cautioning residents about thunderstorms, hail, and extreme heat that could cause significant disruptions.

Severe Thunderstorms and Potential Flooding

A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for thunderstorms bringing hail, heavy rainfall, and strong winds to:

• Southern Gauteng and Mpumalanga
• Western KwaZulu-Natal
• Eastern Free State
• Central and Western North West

These severe conditions may lead to localized flooding, damage to infrastructure, and disruptions to travel and essential services.

High Fire Danger in Several Provinces

In addition to storm warnings, SAWS has flagged a high fire danger across:

• Northern Cape
• Western Free State and North West
• Northern Eastern Cape (including Beaufort West Municipality)

The dry and windy conditions increase the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires, putting property and natural areas at risk.

Scorching Heatwave to Continue

Meanwhile, a persistent heatwave is expected to grip:

• Limpopo Lowveld and Mpumalanga
• Limpopo Valley
• Central Free State, Southwestern North West, and Northern Cape

The extreme temperatures are forecasted to last until Tuesday, raising concerns about heat exhaustion and water shortages in affected regions.

Authorities Urge Caution

Officials are urging residents to take precautions against severe weather by:

• Avoiding flood-prone areas
• Staying hydrated and limiting sun exposure
• Refraining from open fires in high-risk zones

With extreme weather on the horizon, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are advised to stay updated with official forecasts and emergency alerts.