Residents of Mpumalanga should brace for a continuation of warm to hot conditions, with the most intense heat concentrated in the province’s low-lying areas. This pattern is driven by a high-pressure system that is trapping warm air at the surface. However, a significant shift is underway: an influx of moisture from the northeast is creating an increasingly unstable atmosphere. This clash of hot, surface-level air with cooler, moisture-laden air aloft is the primary recipe for the unsettled weather developing across the region.
“Hot conditions are expected over the northeastern interior,” confirmed Mpho Rasimphi, a forecaster with the South African Weather Service. This typically includes areas like the Lowveld, where temperatures can feel several degrees higher due to the accompanying humidity.
Showers are spreading across Mpumalanga
The forecast now indicates that convective rainfall will initiate near Ermelo, with isolated showers developing across a broader swath of Mpumalanga. These are not widespread gentle rains, but rather convective cells—pockets of intense uplift that can form quickly. As prevailing weather systems steer these cells eastward, they have the potential to intensify by drawing in more moisture from the Indian Ocean.
“We are expecting rainfall pushing all the way into Ermelo for tomorrow,” Rasimphi elaborated, highlighting the directional movement of the systems.
Thunderstorm risks remain
Consequently, the South African Weather Service has issued a Level 2 Yellow Warning for severe thunderstorms for parts of Mpumalanga. This is not a routine advisory. A Level 2 warning indicates a high likelihood of damaging weather impacts in the designated areas. The primary threats include:
– Heavy Downpours: Capable of causing flash flooding in poor-drainage areas, damaging crops, and washing away topsoil.
– Frequent Lightning: A severe danger to life for those outdoors and a risk for power infrastructure and wildfires.
– Strong, Gusty Winds: Associated with storm downdrafts, which can topple trees and cause structural damage.
“We are still expecting up to level 2 of severe thunderstorms,” Rasimphi reiterated. While these storms may be isolated in nature, their intensity means they can cause significant localised disruption. Motorists should be alert for sudden reduced visibility and pooling water on roads. Farmers are advised to secure loose equipment and, where possible, protect sensitive crops and livestock from hail and wind. Residents should monitor official updates closely, as these conditions can change rapidly.