A shift from a heatwave to impending Gauteng thunderstorms has prompted the SA Weather Service (SAWS) to issue a severe weather warning for the coming week.
Gauteng weather alert: SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms
SAWS has sounded the alarm for residents in Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga to prepare for a spell of severe thunderstorms slated for the week starting Sunday, 15 October 2023.
Following an intense heatwave that saw temperatures soaring in Gauteng, a contrasting weather pattern is emerging, bringing with it the potential for substantial precipitation and thunderstorms.
The weather alert, tagged as a “Yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms,” is valid until 15 October 2023 until 23:00.
The anticipated impacts include strong winds, and heavy rain which could lead to flooding, hail, and lightning strikes.
The abrupt change comes on the heels of a hot, windy Saturday, which will give way to cooler temperatures on Sunday across most regions in Gauteng.
Specifically, for Johannesburg, the day’s temperatures are projected to peak at a high of 21°C, with the likelihood of isolated thundershowers materialising in the afternoon.
On the other hand, Pretoria is expected to experience a slightly warmer day with a maximum temperature of 23°C, accompanied by cloudy conditions in the morning, transitioning to late afternoon showers extending into the evening.
The Yellow Level 2 warning also extends to the potential for disruptive rain, which could lead to localised flooding affecting settlements, roads, low-lying areas, and bridges.
As Monday rolls in, the forecast suggests a continuation of the wet spell with heavy rain predicted for most regions in the northern part of the country. The attendant effect will be a noticeable dip in temperatures, dropping into the low teens.
Hailstorm expected in these regions
Further details of the Yellow Level 2 warning indicate the possibility of severe thunderstorms causing damaging winds, a large amount of small hail, and heavy downpours over the northeastern areas of the Northern Cape, much of the North-West, and Free State provinces, excluding the eastern areas.
Particularly for Gauteng, and extreme western areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, strong gusty winds are anticipated.