Cold to cool conditions are expected to persist across much of South Africa on Monday, with showers and thundershowers forecast for the eastern provinces while the central and western regions remain largely dry.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), there is a 30% probability of showers and thundershowers over southern Limpopo, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, much of Mpumalanga, and the eastern half of the Eastern Cape. The wettest conditions are expected in parts of eastern Mpumalanga, where the probability of rainfall jumps to 60%.
In contrast, the Western Cape, Northern Cape, North West, Free State, and western parts of the Eastern Cape are expected to experience entirely dry weather, with no significant rainfall forecast.
However, SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms over parts of Mpumalanga.
“Yellow Level 1 warning: Severe thunderstorms resulting in localised flooding of low-lying areas, roads and bridges, as well as hail and damaging winds, which may lead to damage to settlements and infrastructure,” SAWS stated.
The weather service warned that motorists travelling through affected areas should exercise extreme caution, as heavy downpours could drastically reduce visibility and lead to slippery roads or flash flooding. Residents in vulnerable areas are also advised to remain alert for potential hail and strong winds.
The latest forecast follows a biting cold weekend across much of the country. On Sunday, cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered showers affected parts of the east and south coasts, while the rest of South Africa experienced partly cloudy weather.
Hope Ntanzi
capeargus.co.za