Damaging winds and thunderstorms sweep across SA on Thursday.
Image: Freepik
Severe weather conditions are set to grip parts of South Africa on Thursday, with damaging winds to hit the Northern Cape while thunderstorms develop across the eastern half of the country.
South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for strong, damaging winds over the southeastern Northern Cape, where high-sided vehicles face dangerous driving conditions and vulnerable structures could sustain damage.
The warning comes as dry and windy weather combines with extremely high fire danger across central parts of the province, raising the risk of rapidly spreading veld fires.
At the same time, a surge in moisture over the east will trigger scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers.
Rain chances are expected to reach 60% to 80% over Mpumalanga and southern Limpopo, while parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern escarpment will see around a 30% to 60% chance of rain.
In Gauteng and the eastern Free State, isolated afternoon thunderstorms are expected with a 30% chance of rain, bringing the risk of lightning and brief downpours.
Meanwhile, the western parts of the country remain largely dry.
The Western Cape will see cloudy conditions with a slight 30% chance of light rain developing over the south-western areas later in the day, accompanied by strong coastal winds.
Authorities have urged residents and motorists to remain alert, particularly in affected Northern Cape regions where wind impacts and fire danger pose a dual threat, while those in the east should prepare for stormy conditions heading into the afternoon and evening.
IOL News