Gauteng residents will face another turbulent weather spell today as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) intensifies warnings for severe thunderstorms across the province.
The system brings a threat of excessive lightning, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds. The conditions are expected to escalate through the afternoon and evening.
Storm system is expected across the northeastern provinces, including Gauteng
Forecaster Phemelo Zonke confirmed that unstable atmospheric conditions remain firmly in place, particularly over Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and parts of the eastern Free State.
“We expect isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, mainly becoming widespread in Gauteng and surrounding provinces,” Zonke said.
Yesterday’s thunderstorms prompted a yellow level 2 alert. This was later upgraded to an orange level 5 alert for Mpumalanga and areas of Limpopo due to the escalating severity of the situation.
Temperatures remain cool as wet weather persists
Gauteng will experience cool daytime conditions following a mild overnight low. Johannesburg dropped to 11°C yesterday evening, rising to a maximum of 20°C today.
Pretoria will reach 21°C as cloud cover and recurring rainfall limit daytime warming. Zonke said, “It will remain a cool to warm day across much of the province, with thunderstorms posing significant risks.”
Hazards include lightning, flooding and strong winds
Authorities warn that today’s storms could produce large amounts of small hail, gale-force winds and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning.
Heavy downpours may also trigger localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas. SAWS has advised residents to avoid open fields and tall isolated trees.
“These storms could result in heavy downpours, strong, damaging winds and excessive lightning, especially in the northeastern areas of Gauteng,” Zonke said.
