Kwazulu-Natal will experience scattered showers and thunderstorms today, with forecasters warning of excessive lightning, especially over the province’s northwestern regions.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) notes that storm activity will intensify during the late afternoon, posing risks to outdoor activities and travel.
Storm expected in northwestern KwaZulu-Natal
Forecaster Phemelo Zonke said today’s storm activity forms part of a system affecting several northeastern provinces.
“We expect thunderstorms mainly scattered over northwestern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, continuing into the evening,” Zonke explained.
Yesterday’s severe weather warnings reached orange level 5 in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, with KwaZulu-Natal receiving lower-level alerts but still at risk of lightning and heavy rainfall.
Cool to warm temperatures forecast
Temperatures across KwaZulu-Natal will remain cool to warm as cloud cover persists. Ulundi is expected to reach 23°C, while Port Shepstone is forecasted to have a maximum of 22°C.
Zonke said, “KwaZulu-Natal will see cool to warmer conditions, with storms likely to affect parts of the northwest.” Coastal regions will remain relatively stable, while interior areas may see rapid storm development.
Lightning and localised flooding remain key hazards
SAWS warns that excessive lightning, brief heavy rainfall and strong winds may accompany today’s storms, especially near the boundary between KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern Free State.
Motorists should avoid flooded roads, and residents are urged to unplug sensitive electronics during peak lightning hours.
Zonke noted that the storms “could produce heavy downpours and strong gusts, particularly in the early evening.”
Despite the unsettled conditions, other parts of the province may experience partial clearing, although cloud build-up is expected to return later in the day.
