Friday Weather: Yellow Level 2 warning as thunderstorms target Northeastern SA
The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms expected over the northeastern parts of the country, particularly affecting Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and parts of northwestern KwaZulu-Natal.
This warning highlights the likelihood of heavy downpours, leading to localised flooding, strong damaging winds, lightning injuries, falling trees, and hail. These storms are forecasted to be both intense and disruptive, especially in the high-alert region marked on the warning map.
Rainfall is expected to be scattered 60% chance in the northeastern quadrant covering cities like Polokwane, Ermelo, and Mbombela, while isolated 30% showers are predicted across much of the central interior, including Kimberley, Bloemfontein, and Upington.
Coastal areas along the Western Cape and southern Eastern Cape, including George, Cape Agulhas, and Port Beaufort, may also experience isolated rainfall.
Much of the country will remain under cloudy to partly cloudy conditions. Cooler temperatures are expected over the eastern highveld, especially where storms are most likely, while the western and central interior remain warm to very hot. Very hot conditions will persist in parts of the Northern Cape, including areas near Upington and Beaufort West.
Strong winds are also a concern. Gusts up to 45 km/h are expected along the southwestern coastline, including Cape Town, while coastal winds up to 35 km/h may be felt along the KZN coastline.
Travellers and residents in the high-risk areas should remain alert for storm-related hazards and exercise caution, especially on the roads. Emergency services may be stretched in flooded areas, and falling trees could disrupt power and road access.
IOL News