The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms and excessive lightning in Gauteng today.
This comes after a week of persistent heatwave conditions, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s across various regions.
Weather forecaster Letlhogonolo Thobela warns of the potential impact of the forecasted thunderstorms.
“The heatwave was mainly for the north-eastern provinces, but the conditions lasted up until yesterday [Monday] and it has just reached a breaking point into today,” said Thobela.
Thobela adds, “Severe thunderstorms are expected, it’s actually a Yellow Level 4, where there’s a low likelihood of it happening, but the impact will be significant. Heavy downpours are expected this afternoon into late evening over most parts of the north-eastern regions, covering Gauteng, the north-eastern Free State, eastern North West, parts of Mpumalanga, and the extreme south-western parts of Limpopo.”
According to Forecaster Celeste Fourie, temperatures have begun to drop in some areas, bringing relief from the scorching heat. However, Fourie warns that active thunderstorms have already hit the southern parts of Gauteng.
She says residents can expect a 60% increase in thunderstorm activity on Tuesday.
“This Yellow Level four can be interpreted as a low likelihood of significant impacts to be expected. We are expecting a significant impact due to the fact that this would be the first rain or significant rain for this season, which as people know that due to the heat wave conditions, the ground is dry. So, we are expecting a bit of runoff which will lead to the pulling of wood on roads. Please be cautious if you are living in areas that are prone to localised flooding. Be alert when you see any significant weather developing in your region.”
SA Weather Report | 15 October 2024
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