Sunday weather forecast: Widespread thunderstorms and flooding across SA

The South African Weather Service (Saws) warned of widespread thunderstorms and the potential risk of flooding across parts of South Africa on Sunday.

Weekend weather update

Thunderstorms and flooding

Saws weather forecaster Jacqueline Modika said there is a cut-off low system “over the south-western parts of the country” on Sunday.

Modika said this will result in severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and strong winds, as well as the risk of localised flooding in low-lying regions.

Watch: Sunday weather forecast

Flooding in Gauteng and KZN

During the past week, Saws alerted the public over expected incidents of localised flooding in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Impact-based warnings were also issued for North West regarding severe thunderstorms, large amounts of small hail as well as strong, damaging winds.

“Apart from the extreme eastern areas of Vhembe and Mopani district municipalities in Limpopo on Saturday, showery conditions are expected across many areas in South Africa this weekend,” said Saws in a statement.

Rainfall probability

Central and eastern regions in South Africa has a widespread rainfall probability of 80%, with scattered storms in outlying regions (60%).

The northern regions of the Northern Cape and the eastern regions of Limpopo has a 30% probability for isolated showers.

WATCH: Joburg underwater after flooding and thunderstorms

Weather alerts issued

The Saws issued a Yellow Level 2 alert for disruptive rain and severe thunderstorms in parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

An additional Orange Level 6 alert was issued for severe thunderstorms along the coastal regions of the Western Cape.

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Additional reporting by Narissa Subramoney