South Africans can expect a rainy and stormy summer as widespread thunderstorms continue to develop across several provinces. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple alerts for severe thunderstorms bringing heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds that could impact transport and infrastructure.
Meteorologist Odirile Modipa said the country is officially entering its thunderstorm season.
“We do need to brace ourselves for more rainy weather coming through. We are transitioning into the summer season and starting to see the first batches of thunderstorms, and more is yet to come,” Modipa said.
She added that this pattern will persist for months. “I would say the whole of summer, because it’s thunderstorm season, anytime is teatime for thunderstorms,” she remarked.
Why are the summer storms intensifying
According to Modipa, the combination of warmer temperatures and increased moisture is creating perfect conditions for thunderstorm development.
“Temperatures are getting much warmer now, which creates a very favourable environment for thunderstorm development. Summer weather systems are coming through, surface troughs and moisture are creating a perfect setup,” she explained.
She noted that these storms are short but powerful, often striking suddenly and ending just as quickly. “Thunderstorms are very short-lived. They don’t rain all the time. You get an hour of heavy downpour, and then it stops once the storm moves away,” said Modipa.
Warnings in Place Across Provinces
The SAWS has issued yellow level 2 and level 4 warnings for severe thunderstorms affecting large parts of the country, including the Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, and sections of the Northern Cape. The storms are expected to bring “excessive lightning, heavy downpours, and very strong winds,” according to Modipa.
She advised South Africans, especially motorists, to stay alert during severe weather.
“If there is a warning and the weather looks unsafe to travel, rather don’t do it. Severe thunderstorms come with lightning, heavy rain, and very strong winds,” she warned.
As summer settles in, South Africa faces a season of unpredictable weather and potential flooding risks.
