Gauteng will experience another round of unsettled weather today, as scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across the province.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says several weather systems across the interior continue to push moisture and instability eastward, increasing the likelihood of rainfall and localised storm damage.
Three weather systems drive instability in Gauteng
Forecaster Mpho Rasimphi said a surface trough, an upper-air disturbance and a strengthening high-pressure system are combining to create widespread storm activity and scattered showers.
“These three systems are causing havoc over the eastern half of the country, driving rainy conditions across Gauteng and neighbouring provinces,” Rasimphi explained.
Overnight, Gauteng saw isolated showers, but today brings an 80% chance of thunderstorms and scattered showers.
Warnings issued for severe thunderstorms
SAWS has issued a level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms affecting parts of Gauteng and extending into the Free State and Limpopo. Rasimphi noted that areas closer to the eastern interior face the most significant risk.
“These thunderstorms can be accompanied by large amounts of small hail, heavy downpours and flooding in places,” Rasimphi said.
Damaging winds may also develop as the high-pressure system strengthens toward the afternoon.
Cool night followed by a warm, stormy day
Gauteng’s temperatures remained relatively calm overnight, with Johannesburg dropping into the lower teens. Today will be warm, despite cloudy conditions, with Pretoria expected to reach the mid-20s.
Rasimphi added, “We expect warm daytime temperatures, but storms could intensify quickly as heat interacts with the moist air.”
