The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, including hail, over most of Gauteng and parts of the surrounding provinces this week. The warning extends to the eastern parts of the North West, Free State, Mpumalanga, the Western Bushveld of Limpopo, and northern KwaZulu-Natal.
SAWS forecaster Venetia Phakula said the severe weather conditions could lead to localised flooding in low-lying areas, with rainfall expected to persist until Thursday. "There is a good chance of rain for Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and even the Northwest, with a 60% chance of rain across all these provinces," Phakula explained.
The forecaster warned that the storms could bring heavy downpours, large amounts of small hail, strong winds, and excessive lightning. These conditions could result in road flooding, property damage, and disruption to municipal services.
The affected regions today (Tuesday) include Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the North West. On Wednesday, a similar weather pattern is expected to affect Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the North West, with rainfall chances remaining around 60%. Thursday may also see further rain, with potential for disruptive conditions.
Phakula added that a slight cold front is expected to brush over the southern parts of the country on Friday, though it is not expected to cause significant changes in the weather. She clarified that the ongoing rain is linked to an upper air trough passing over the region, drawing tropical moisture into the affected provinces.