The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of impact-based weather warnings for Tuesday, 17 December 2024, with severe thunderstorms and fire dangers affecting multiple regions across the country.
Weather warnings issued for these areas on Tuesday, 17 December 2024
Gauteng, eastern parts of North West and Free State, parts of Mpumalanga, and the Western Bushveld of Limpopo
A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms. These storms are expected to bring heavy downpours, large amounts of small hail, strong damaging winds, and excessive lightning.
The potential impacts include localised flooding of roads and low-lying areas, damage to properties, and disruptions to municipal services.
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- Northern KwaZulu-Natal: The same Yellow Level 2 warning applies, with similar conditions anticipated.
- Limpopo Valley: Extremely high fire danger conditions are forecasted, posing a significant risk to vegetation and infrastructure.
- KwaZulu-Natal coast, Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo: An advisory for extremely uncomfortable conditions persists in these regions due to high temperatures and humidity, extending until Wednesday.
What is a SAWS-issued Yellow Level 2 warning?
A Yellow Level 2 warning indicates that hazardous weather conditions are expected, which could cause localised damage, disruptions, or inconvenience. While the impacts are not widespread, they can be significant in specific areas, such as heavy downpours leading to flash floods, hail damaging property, or strong winds causing structural damage and falling debris.
Weather outlook for affected regions
Here is a look at the weather forecast for today, focussing specifically on the affected regions:
1. Gauteng
Residents in Gauteng can expect partly cloudy and hot conditions with scattered showers and thundershowers developing later in the day. Temperatures will peak in the high 20s to low 30s, particularly in the northern parts of the province. The UVB sunburn index is extreme, so sun protection is recommended.
2. Eastern Parts of North West and Free State
Both regions will experience partly cloudy and hot weather, with scattered showers and thundershowers forecasted for the eastern parts. Localized strong winds and heavy downpours may occur during the storms, increasing the risk of flash floods and property damage.
3. Mpumalanga
Conditions will be cloudy in the east during the morning with fog over the southern escarpment. The rest of the province will experience partly cloudy and warm weather, with scattered thunderstorms, particularly over the Highveld. The Lowveld will be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 35°C.
4. Limpopo (Western Bushveld and Limpopo Valley)
The western Bushveld will see partly cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered thundershowers. The Limpopo Valley will experience extremely hot conditions, with temperatures surpassing 36°C. Extremely high fire danger conditions persist, increasing the risk of wildfires.
5. Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Northern KwaZulu-Natal will face partly cloudy and warm to hot weather, becoming cloudy in the afternoon as scattered thundershowers develop. Residents should prepare for localized heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hail during the storms.
6. KwaZulu-Natal Coast
Extremely uncomfortable conditions will persist along the coast and adjacent interior due to high humidity and elevated temperatures. The wind along the coast will vary from moderate to fresh south-easterly. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and minimize outdoor exposure.
