South Africans can expect hot weather for most of the weekend, with potentially severe scattered thunderstorms affecting the central-eastern parts of the country.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over the eastern parts of the Free State and northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday afternoon and evening. Affected areas could include Bethlehem, the Drakensberg, Pietermaritzburg, Ladysmith, and Newcastle.

The weather service has predicted a 60% chance of rain over the eastern Free State and most of KZN, including the coastal regions. The central and northern interior, including Johannesburg, Upington, and Bloemfontein, sees a 30% chance of rain.

The SAWS has also warned of potentially damaging winds and waves over most of the east coast of South Africa, from Port Alfred all the way to Durban’s north coast. This, it said, could put small vessels at risk of capsizing and potentially also cause disruptions at small harbors and ports.

Mild at the coast, hotter inland

The coastal areas will experience milder temperatures on Saturday, with cities such as Durban and Gqeberha seeing maximum temperatures of no more than 20 degrees Celsius, while Cape Town is expected to max out at 34 degrees, with no chance of rain. 

Durban will warm up to a maximum of 25 degrees on Sunday, while Cape Town is expected to dip to 21 degrees, and Gqeberha will remain at 20.

Johannesburg, Pretoria and Bloemfontein can expect maximum temperatures of 29 degrees on Saturday, with Johannesburg remaining at that level on Sunday, and Pretoria rising to 30 degrees. Bloemfontein will see a high of 30 degrees, while those in Upington can expect a temperature range of 35 to 36 degrees.

Milder temperatures are expected in the north east, with Polokwane seeing a high of 23 degrees on Saturday and 28 degrees on Sunday.

IOL

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