Key Takeaways:
- A level five warning has been issued for Gauteng, Free State, North West, western parts of Limpopo, and the Highveld of Mpumalanga due to severe thunderstorms and flooding.
- The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of widespread showers and thunderstorms in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Vereeniging.
- Severe weather warnings and fire danger alerts have been issued across South Africa, including the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape and western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
- The heavy rain and flooding have already caused damage and loss of life, with reports of potholes and damaged infrastructure in Centurion.
- Temperatures are expected to be mild, with highs ranging from 15°C to 38°C across the country.
Introduction to the Weather Warning
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level five warning for several provinces, including Gauteng, Free State, North West, western parts of Limpopo, and the Highveld of Mpumalanga. This warning is due to the expected severe thunderstorms and flooding in these areas, which may cause damage to infrastructure, settlements, and low-lying bridges. The warning comes after the SA20 matches at The Wanderers in Johannesburg and SuperSport Park in Centurion were abandoned due to the rain on Saturday.
Expected Weather Conditions
According to the SAWS, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Vereeniging are expected to be cloudy with widespread showers and thunderstorms. Other areas, such as Mbombela, Mahikeng, and Polokwane, will experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, with Bloemfontein also experiencing windy conditions. The severe thunderstorms are expected to lead to flooding in many areas, including roads, settlements, and low-lying bridges. The SAWS has warned that susceptible areas will be most affected, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Severe Weather Warnings and Fire Danger Alerts
In addition to the level five warning, the SAWS has also issued a level two weather warning for the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, western parts of both the Free State and North West, the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as along the escarpment of both Mpumalanga and Limpopo. A Fire Danger Warning has also been issued, with extremely high fire danger conditions expected over the Dawid Kruiper and Kai Garib municipalities of the Northern Cape, as well as the West Coast district of the Western Cape. The SAWS has warned that these conditions may lead to veld fires, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to prevent fires from breaking out.
Impact of the Floods
The heavy rain and flooding have already caused significant damage and loss of life. In Centurion, the area has been left with countless potholes and damaged infrastructure after the massive floods on December 21. Tragically, there were reports of deaths, including a delivery driver who drowned, as well as two members of the public who were trapped in a vehicle and swept away in the Hennops River. The SAWS has warned that the expected severe thunderstorms and flooding may cause further damage and disruption to daily life.
Expected Temperatures
Despite the severe weather warnings, the temperatures are expected to be mild, with highs ranging from 15°C to 38°C across the country. Johannesburg is expected to experience a high of 26°C, while Vereeniging is expected to reach 27°C. Other areas, such as Mbombela, Polokwane, and Mahikeng, are expected to experience highs of 23°C, 23°C, and 28°C, respectively. The temperatures are expected to be slightly cooler in the evening, with lows ranging from 12°C to 21°C.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the South African Weather Service has issued a level five warning for several provinces due to the expected severe thunderstorms and flooding. The warning is in effect for Gauteng, Free State, North West, western parts of Limpopo, and the Highveld of Mpumalanga. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, including avoiding travel to affected areas and taking steps to prevent fires from breaking out. The SAWS will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.