Prepare for storms, flooding risks across South Africa this weekend
Image: Freepik
South Africans are heading into a wet and unsettled Saturday as widespread showers and thundershowers develop across much of the country, with the heaviest impacts expected over the eastern interior and KwaZulu-Natal.
Rain chances will be high across the central and eastern regions, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms stretching from the Free State through Gauteng into Mpumalanga and much of KwaZulu-Natal.
In the far northeast of KwaZulu-Natal, conditions are even more intense, with an 80% chance of widespread storms accompanied by heavy downpours. These storms may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, along with hail and damaging winds that could affect infrastructure and transport routes.
A broader band of 60% rain probability also extends into parts of the Northern Cape, while the western interior sees a lower 30% chance of isolated storms. The Western Cape remains mostly dry, with fine conditions developing through the day after a cloudy start.
Temperatures will vary, with warm to hot conditions in Limpopo and parts of the Northern Cape, while cooler air spreads across the central interior and southern coastline. Coastal winds will be strong at times, particularly along the southern and eastern shores.
Looking ahead to Sunday, the unsettled weather persists but begins to shift. Much of the interior, including the Free State and Northern Cape, holds onto a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, while 30% chances spread along the southern and eastern coastal areas.
Conditions remain cloudy and cool in many regions, although warmer weather continues in the far north and parts of the west.
While the new week approaches with slightly easing conditions in some areas, the weekend will be dominated by rain, rumbling thunderstorms and the risk of localised flooding, especially in the eastern parts of the country.
IOL News