Most areas of Gauteng will be struck by a level 2 thunderstorm from Monday afternoon, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Gauteng thunderstorm: How severe will the weather be?
After a weekend of hot and dry conditions, the north eastern interior of South Africa will be plunged into torrential weather, starting from Monday early evening.
In a statement, the national weather authority confirmed that severe thunderstorms should be expected over the central and eastern parts of the North West and Free State, as well most parts of Gauteng.
The level 2 alert, according to SAWS’ scale, indicates a high likelihood of torrential weather falling in the regions listed above. Moreover, minor impact is expected from strong winds with chances of hail and heavy downpours.
The torrential conditions, according to Ventusky.com readings suggests that things could remain wet, windy and stormy for the most part of this week in some parts of Gauteng.
Motorists are warned to practice extreme levels of caution when driving on slippery roads. The weather service also warns that:
- reduced visibility can be expected;
- damage to property and livelihood and short-term disruption to municipal services are possible; and
- lightning can contribute to localised fire incidents.
What happens when the weather affects electricity?
As if life at stage 2 loadshedding is not frustrating enough, Gauteng residents have also been warned to expect electricity interruptions from the torrential weather.
City Power has, however, confirmed that extra efforts are being made to ensure that there is sufficient capacity “to respond to power cuts that often accompany this type of severe weather.”
“City Power technicians are on high alert to attend to all the power outages that are weather-related and those that are not weather-related,” the region’s power supplier wrote.
Gauteng thunderstorm: Weather forecast for Tuesday 26 October 2021
From a temperature perspective, conditions are likely to remain relatively warm and humid in Gauteng, on Tuesday, with a maximum of 21°C expected.
While central parts of the province, like Johannesburg, Midrand and Centurion are likely to not see much rainfall on Tuesday, southern parts of Gauteng should experience severe thunderstorms. These towns are expected to be hit by torrential weather on Tuesday 26 October 2021:
- Carletonville
- Westonaria
- Nigel
- Evaton