Severe Storms and Extreme Heat to Hit South Africa on Thursday, 9 October
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued warnings for severe weather across parts of the country, including thunderstorms in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and extreme heat along the west coast and adjacent interior regions. Residents are urged to take precautions as conditions may pose risks to life and property.
Impact-Based Warnings
Saws has issued a yellow level 2 warning for central and southwestern Limpopo, as well as the northern Highveld of Mpumalanga, citing the potential for severe thunderstorms. Heavy downpours could lead to localised flooding, while strong damaging winds may bring down trees and power lines. Small hail and lightning injuries are also possible.
Fire Danger Warnings
Extreme fire danger conditions are expected in several areas, including central and north-western Northern Cape, extreme north-western Western Cape, and the western Bushveld of Limpopo. Residents in these areas should exercise extreme caution and avoid open flames.
Extreme Heat Advisories
Very hot to extremely hot conditions are forecast along the west coast and adjacent interior, with temperatures reaching hazardous levels in some regions. Saws advises the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and monitor vulnerable individuals.
Provincial Forecasts
- Gauteng: Residents can expect partly cloudy and warm weather with scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers. The UVB sunburn index is “high,” so precautions against sun exposure are recommended.
- Mpumalanga: Cloudy conditions in the east, otherwise partly cloudy and cool to warm. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected, scattered over the Highveld.
- Limpopo: The Lowveld will experience cloudy conditions, while the rest of the province will be partly cloudy and warm. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected in the extreme south-western parts.
- North West: Partly cloudy and warm to hot weather, with isolated showers and thundershowers scattered in the extreme northeast.
- Free State: Fine and warm conditions are expected, though the east will be partly cloudy with isolated showers and thundershowers in the extreme east.
- Northern Cape: Fine and warm to hot conditions, with extremely hot temperatures along the coast. Partly cloudy weather is expected in the extreme northeast.
- Western Cape: Partly cloudy with morning fog patches in the south, which will be cool. Elsewhere, it will be fine and warm to hot, with scorching conditions along the west coast. The UVB sunburn index is “very high.”
- Eastern Cape (western half): Morning fog over the interior, otherwise fine and warm. The coast will remain cool and cloudy in the morning and evening.
- Eastern Cape (eastern half): Morning fog south of the escarpment, otherwise fine and warm, but cloudy and cool with a chance of evening drizzle along the coast and adjacent interior.
- KwaZulu-Natal: Morning fog over the interior, otherwise partly cloudy and cool to warm, with isolated showers and thundershowers. The UVB sunburn index is “high,” and residents are advised to protect themselves from prolonged sun exposure.
Saws emphasises that residents should stay alert to changing weather conditions, particularly in areas under severe thunderstorm and fire warnings. Precautions such as avoiding unnecessary travel during storms, securing property, and limiting outdoor exposure during extreme heat are strongly advised.
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