South Africans Brace for Severe Thunderstorms and Hail

As the new week begins, the South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued warnings for damaging thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds in several provinces, urging residents to exercise caution.

Two yellow-level alerts have been issued, highlighting the potential for significant property and travel disruptions in parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Mpumalanga, and the Free State.

Storm warnings: Yellow alerts issued

A Yellow Level 4 warning covers the north-western parts of KZN, predicting severe thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds, excessive lightning, and hail. Authorities warn of possible damage to infrastructure, settlements, vehicles, and major travel disruptions.

Meanwhile, a Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for western KZN, central and escarpment areas of Mpumalanga, and the extreme eastern Free State. Residents are advised that localised damage to vehicles, infrastructure, and informal settlements is possible.

Saws also highlighted extreme fire danger in parts of the North West and Northern Cape, adding another layer of risk for outdoor activities.

A celestial spectacle amid the storms

Adding a rare silver lining to the weather drama, skywatchers across South Africa were treated to a stunning Blood Moon on Sunday. During the total lunar eclipse, Earth’s shadow cast a reddish glow over the Moon, captivating stargazers despite the looming storm warnings. Social media buzzed with images of the “red moon” lighting up the night sky, creating a striking contrast against the approaching severe weather.

Regional forecasts: What to expect

Gauteng: Warm mornings with partly cloudy skies; isolated evening showers possible.

Mpumalanga: Partly cloudy and warm, scattered thunderstorms expected, especially in the Lowveld where temperatures will soar.

Limpopo: Generally fine and warm to hot, with partly cloudy conditions in the extreme south.

North West: Fine and windy, becoming partly cloudy with isolated showers and thundershowers in the east and south.

Free State: Warm and windy, transitioning to partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms, particularly in the north.

Northern Cape: Cool along the coast with morning fog; isolated to scattered thunderstorms inland and windy conditions in the north-east.

Western Cape: Fine in the west, partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms in eastern and south-eastern areas; coastal winds from the south-east to south-west.

Eastern Cape: Cloudy along the coast, with scattered showers and thunderstorms; winds varying from fresh south-easterly in the west to north-easterly along the coast in the east.

KwaZulu-Natal: Partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms inland and isolated along the coast; cloudy in the west. Coastal winds shifting from southerly to north-easterly in the extreme north by evening.

Staying safe amid severe weather

Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to secure outdoor objects, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain alert to local updates. Motorists are particularly warned to drive cautiously, as hail and strong winds could create hazardous road conditions.

While South Africans enjoyed the rare spectacle of the Blood Moon, the week ahead serves as a reminder of the country’s diverse and sometimes unpredictable weather, demanding both awe and caution.