Severe thunderstorms with hail, lightning and heavy rain are forecast for Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Free State, whereas KwaZulu-Natal faces extreme heat and humidity, according to the South African Weather Service.
The weather service issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for the eastern and south-western parts of Limpopo, northern Gauteng and extreme north-western Mpumalanga, indicating a high likelihood of damaging winds, large hail, excessive lightning and possible flooding that could affect both formal and informal settlements.
A Yellow Level 2 warning covers central Limpopo, Mpumalanga, southern Gauteng, western and extreme eastern North West, and western and central Free State, where flooding of roads, low-lying areas and bridges is expected, along with damage to infrastructure and informal settlements.
In the Western Cape, damaging winds and waves are forecast between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay, with disruption to port and slight harbour activities and difficult navigation at sea anticipated for a short period.
KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast and adjacent interior are under an advisory for extremely uncomfortable conditions due to hot and humid weather, with no rainfall relief expected in the immediate forecast.
Gauteng is expected to be cloudy and warm with scattered to widespread thundershowers, particularly in the north, while Johannesburg temperatures range from 14 to 23°C and Pretoria from 15 to 24°C.
Mpumalanga will see morning fog along the escarpment, otherwise cloudy and cool with scattered showers, but warm conditions in the Lowveld and widespread thundershowers in the north-eastern Highveld.
For more on this story, see SA Weather: Scattered Thunderstorms & Severe Alerts for Friday.
TimesLIVE noted that the atmospheric conditions are primed for high-impact events, with a high likelihood of minor impacts from thunderstorms over Gauteng, Limpopo and the Mpumalanga highveld and escarpment, and warned that storms could cause structural damage to property, vehicles, livelihoods, and livestock.
The SAWS highlighted a particular risk for coastal infrastructure between Plettenberg Bay and Port Alfred, where a Yellow Level 2 warning for storm surges raises concerns about localised damage to beaches, disruptions to front activities and flooding of some coastal areas.
Rainfall charts indicate an 80% probability of widespread rain in the Worcester and Cape Town areas on Sunday and Monday, while the northern interior, including Thabazimbi, Polokwane and Phalaborwa, remains under a 60% rainfall risk with continued thunderstorm warnings into the start of the work week.
Emergency services have urged residents in informal settlements and low-lying areas to remain vigilant, secure loose belongings and avoid crossing flooded bridges or swollen streams as the volatile weather persists.
What areas are most at risk of flooding from the thunderstorms?
The eastern and south-western parts of Limpopo, northern Gauteng and extreme north-western Mpumalanga are under the highest flood risk due to the Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours.
Is KwaZulu-Natal affected by the storms or just the heat?
KwaZulu-Natal is not expected to see the thunderstorms; instead, it faces hot and humid conditions that will result in extremely uncomfortable weather over the north coast and adjacent interior.
How should drivers respond to the weather warnings?
Motorists are urged to exercise caution on roads, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, as slippery conditions and reduced visibility could lead to minor accidents and increased travel times.