The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 3 warning for severe thunderstorms in Gauteng for Thursday, 7 August. As a cut-off low sweeps across the province, residents are warned of potential travel disruptions, localised flooding, and damaging winds.
Sudden Drop in Temperatures
Cold conditions are expected to settle over Gauteng starting Wednesday, with the chilliest day anticipated to be Thursday.
SAWS senior forecaster Tokelo Chiloane confirmed the forecast, saying, “From tomorrow, we are having a cut-off low. Although it is located over the central parts of the country, it is expected to hit the central and eastern parts of the country.”
According to Chiloane, Johannesburg is expected to reach a maximum temperature of only 13°C on Thursday, while Pretoria will peak at 14°C.
Furthermore, the cold snap will accompany afternoon thundershowers, strong winds, and large amounts of small hail in some areas.
Severe thunderstorms to strike briefly
Although the severe conditions will only last for a short period, SAWS has cautioned that the storms could cause significant impacts, particularly on roads and infrastructure. The intense thunderstorm activity is predicted to bring damaging winds and localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and informal settlements. Commuters and motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution.
Additionally, the weather pattern is driven by a cut-off low-pressure system, which will shift eastwards after Thursday.
“It will move to the eastern parts of the country,” said Chiloane.
Are you ready for Gauteng’s wild weather shift?
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