Severe thunderstorms are expected over the North West, Gauteng, extreme south-western Mpumalanga, eastern and central parts of the Free State, western parts of KZN, and parts of the Eastern Cape today.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) yesterday said isolated showers and thundershowers can be expected over the eastern and central parts of the country.

“Along the south-west parts of the country, a cold front is expected to make landfall, resulting in showers and rain along the south coast,” said SAWS meteorologist Samkelisiwe Thwala.

In today’s travellers forecast, Yellow Level 2 and Yellow Level 1 warnings have been issued.

“A Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms causing heavy downpours, large amounts of small hail, strong damaging winds, and excessive lightning that will result in localised flooding of susceptible settlements, roads, and low-lying areas, localised damage to properties, as well as localised disruptions to municipal services, are expected over the North West, Gauteng, extreme south-western Mpumalanga, and eastern and central parts of the Free State, as well as the western parts of KZN and extreme eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.

“A Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging winds leading to difficulty in navigation at sea, and small vessels at risk of capsizing, is expected between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay, as well as between Coffee Bay and Port Edward,” Thwala said.

Additionally, a Yellow Level 1 warning for strong damaging winds that could lead to localised damage to formal and informal settlements is expected in places over the Chris Hani District Municipality, Walter Sisulu Local Municipality, and Senqu Local Municipality, as well as the central and southern parts of the Northern Cape and the western parts of the Free State.

Fire danger and heat warnings

Warnings for extremely high fire danger conditions in the southern parts of the ZF Mgcawu and the western parts of the Pixley Ka Seme District Municipalities in the Northern Cape, as well as in the Limpopo Valley and southern parts of the Limpopo lowveld have also been issued. A heatwave with persistently high temperatures is expected in the north-western and north-eastern parts of KZN until Wednesday, with extremely uncomfortable conditions forecast along the KZN coast and adjacent interior, the lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, as well as the Limpopo Valley.

Asked whether Gauteng can expect heatwave conditions in the new week, Thwala said there ‘is no heatwave expected for the upcoming week as temperatures are expected to range between warm and hot’.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the national Reconciliation Day message to the nation in Vredendal in the Western Cape today.

“Sunny conditions can be expected with cool temperatures, with no anticipation of adverse weather,” Thwala said of toay’s commemoration.

She urged holidaymakers visiting various places across the country to stay safe and adhere to the severe weather alerts issued.