SAWS Issues Yellow Level 4 and Level 2 Warnings for KZN and Eastern Cape as Severe Storms Expected

• The South African Weather Service issued Yellow Level 4 and Level 2 warnings for parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape
• KZN faces the most severe conditions, with damaging winds, hail, lightning and possible flooding of roads and settlements expected
• North West, Free State and Limpopo are also under extremely high fire danger conditions as warm, windy weather persists

South Africans are in for a turbulent Tuesday. The South African Weather Service has put several provinces on alert for severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and possible flooding, while other parts of the country brace for extreme heat and high fire danger.

KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape face harshest conditions

KwaZulu-Natal is at the centre of the most serious weather warnings. A Yellow Level 4 impact-based warning covers the eastern parts of the province, where severe thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, hail, excessive lightning and flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas. Some roads and bridges may become impassable, and damage to infrastructure, vehicles and livestock is a real possibility.

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The western parts of KZN are under a Yellow Level 2 warning, with localised flooding and infrastructure damage also expected. Along the Eastern Cape coast and interior east of Cape St Francis, a separate Yellow Level 2 disruptive rainfall warning has been issued for possible localised flooding of roads, bridges and settlements.

Province-by-Province breakdown

Mpumalanga will see partly cloudy and warm conditions, with rain chances reaching up to 60% in areas expecting more widespread storm activity. The Lowveld and escarpment could experience severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours and gusty winds. Extremely hot temperatures are also expected in parts of the Lowveld.

Limpopo starts fine in the north before clouds build during the afternoon. Temperatures will be hot to very hot, with isolated thundershowers developing. Extremely hot conditions are expected over the south-central parts and the Lowveld.

Gauteng will be partly cloudy and warm, with isolated showers and thundershowers carrying a roughly 30% chance of rain. Residents should take note of the high UVB sunburn index throughout the day.

North West begins with morning showers over the northeastern parts before turning fine, windy and hot. Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected across most of the province, with warm and gusty winds capable of spreading veld fires rapidly.

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Free State follows a similar pattern, with eastern morning showers giving way to fine and warm conditions. The northern parts also face extremely high fire danger.

Western Cape will be largely fine and warm, particularly in the west. Isolated morning showers are possible along the eastern south coast, and the UVB sunburn index will be extreme. Residents are advised to apply sunscreen and limit prolonged sun exposure.

Motorists travelling in affected areas should slow down in heavy rain, avoid flooded roads entirely and never attempt to cross overflowing bridges. Residents in thunderstorm-prone areas should secure loose outdoor items and stay indoors during severe lightning.

Read the full forecast here.

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Source: Briefly News