Wet weather expected over Mpumalanga this weekend
According to the SAWS, the favourable conditions for thunderstorms arise from the combination of a surface trough over the central interior, assisted by the presence of an upper-air trough over the western parts of the country.
All eyes are on the weather expected during the forthcoming Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) voter registration weekend, scheduled for Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 February.
“Weather plays a significant role in preparing and safely operating the various IEC voter registration sites. Moreover, any inclement weather could potentially affect voter turnout. Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers, with a 30% likelihood, are expected across the country on Saturday, however, voters should be aware of a 60% likelihood of scattered thunderstorms which may develop along the Drakensberg Mountain range in KZN and Mpumalanga. Moreover, there is also a low likelihood of severe thunderstorms developing over the last-mentioned regions. The SAWS will issue impact-based early warnings concerning the risk of severe storms, should the need arise,” said the SAWS in a statement.
⛈️🌧️Weather outlook for Tomorrow, 03 February 2024:
Partly cloudy and hot to very hot with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers in places. pic.twitter.com/Dar1MgYkvZ
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 2, 2024
⚠️Severe weather alerts for tomorrow, 03 February 2024:
A. Yellow Level 2 warning: Severe Thunderstorms expected over the south-western parts of Northern Cape, north- eastern parts of Western Cape, western parts of KwaZulu-Natal and escarpment and eastern Highveld of Mpumalanga. pic.twitter.com/JXSy52H8M6
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 2, 2024
ALSO READ: IN PHOTOS: Storm damage to Mbombela and surrounding areas
On Sunday, February 4, similar conditions will prevail.
“Isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers with a 30% likelihood are expected across much of the country, except over the extreme western and south-western parts, where sunny and hot conditions are expected to persist. Scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers with a 60% likelihood can be expected over the central, eastern and south-eastern parts of the country,” said the SAWS.
⛈️🌧️Weather outlook for Sunday, 04 February 2024:
Partly cloudy and hot to very hot with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers except in the north-west. It will be warm in the south-east. pic.twitter.com/tRgEIMZouC
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 2, 2024
@lowvelder #weatherreport #weather #southafrica #votetiktok #saws #SAWS #thunderstorm #wetweekend
Also read: Another storm wreaks havoc across Mbombela
Stay safe during thunderstorms:
If you are outdoors when you see or hear a thunderstorm coming, seek safe shelter immediately!
If your hair stands on end, leave the area as fast as possible, as lightning will almost certainly strike that spot shortly.
When you see the lightning flash, count the seconds until you hear the thunder clap. At 30 seconds, suspend all outdoor activities and seek safe shelter, as lightning strikes are close. If you count 15 seconds or less, a lightning strike could occur where you are.
Unsafe areas during lightning or electric storms are tall structures such as trees, telephone poles and power lines. Do not seek shelter under trees, on hilltops, in isolated sheds or buildings, or on open water.
Avoid being near or touching metal objects such as fences, golf carts, bicycles and motorcycles, telephone or power lines and steel structures such as pylons and windmills.
If indoors during a storm, stay well clear of windows and do not hold any metal object, use any electrical appliance, use the telephone or take a bath or shower.
If you are travelling, stay inside the vehicle. Do not swim or play sport during a thunderstorm. Golfers and fishermen are especially at high risk.
