Key Takeaways
- The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms expected to affect parts of Gauteng, including the City of Tshwane, on Saturday afternoon and evening.
- The warning is valid from 3pm on 3 January 2026 until 11.59pm the same day, with a risk of localized damage to infrastructure, property, and vehicles.
- Residents in affected areas are urged to remain alert to changing weather conditions and to take necessary precautions during severe storms.
- The forecast indicates a risk of localized flooding, large amounts of small hail, and disruptions to communication and municipal services.
- Other areas under the same warning include Mogalakwena, Mokopane, Thabazimbi, and several other municipalities and towns across neighboring regions.
Introduction to the Weather Warning
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms expected to affect parts of Gauteng, including the City of Tshwane, on Saturday afternoon and evening. This warning is valid from 3pm on 3 January 2026 until 11.59pm the same day. According to Saws, the severe thunderstorms could cause localized damage to infrastructure, property, and vehicles, as well as possible impacts on settlements, particularly informal areas. The forecast indicates a risk of localized flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges, which could lead to disruptions in daily life and potential harm to residents.
Pretoria Weather Outlook
For Gauteng, Saws forecast partly cloudy and warm conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers, becoming scattered in the northern parts of the province. Conditions are expected to be hot in the extreme north. For the day, Pretoria can expect a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum of 31°C. Humidity levels are expected to reach 75%, with cloudy conditions prevailing. Winds are forecast to blow from the north-east at about 15 knots, or 27.8km/h. The probability of rain is 60%, with an estimated rainfall of up to 20mm in affected areas. These weather conditions could lead to a significant impact on daily life, and residents are urged to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
The severe thunderstorm warning issued by Saws is not limited to Pretoria, but also applies to several other municipalities and towns across neighboring regions. These include Mogalakwena and Mokopane, Thabazimbi, Bela-Bela, Victor Khanye (Delmas), Emalahleni (Witbank), Dr JS Moroka (Nokaneng), Modimolle and Mookgopong, Thembisile Hani (Tweefontein), Lephalale, Steve Tshwete (Middelburg), Emakhazeni (Machadodorp), Ephraim Mogale (Marble Hall), Rustenburg, Madibeng (Hartebeespoort), Moses Kotane (Pilanesberg), Kgetlengrivier (Koster), Ramotshere Moiloa (Zeerust) and Moretele (Makapanstad). Residents in these areas are urged to remain alert to changing weather conditions and to take necessary precautions during severe storms. This includes staying indoors, avoiding travel, and keeping a safe distance from floodwaters and fallen power lines.
Potential Impacts of the Severe Thunderstorms
The severe thunderstorms could cause significant damage to settlements, particularly informal areas, and harm to livelihoods and livestock. There is also a risk of large amounts of small hail, or large hail in places, which could lead to localized damage to settlements over an open area. Additionally, the storms could cause disruptions to communication and municipal services, including power outages and water supply disruptions. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones. This includes having a plan in place in case of an emergency, staying informed about weather conditions, and taking steps to protect their properties and belongings.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the severe thunderstorm warning issued by Saws is a significant concern for residents in affected areas. The forecast indicates a risk of localized damage to infrastructure, property, and vehicles, as well as possible impacts on settlements, particularly informal areas. Residents are urged to remain alert to changing weather conditions and to take necessary precautions during severe storms. This includes staying indoors, avoiding travel, and keeping a safe distance from floodwaters and fallen power lines. By taking necessary precautions and staying informed, residents can help ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones. It is also essential to have a plan in place in case of an emergency and to take steps to protect properties and belongings.