The yellow 2 level warning for severe thunderstorms that was issued on Christmas Day remains in place
The unsettled, cool, and cloudy weather that defined Christmas Day is set to dominate the weekend and likely extend into the New Year’s period, according to the South African Weather Service (Saws). This persistent pattern is driven by a combination of factors, including a surface trough and ample atmospheric moisture, creating ideal conditions for repeated thunderstorm development across the interior.
Thunderstorm warning
Saws meteorologist Amukelani Mkhari confirmed that the Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms—initially issued for Christmas Day—remains active for several provinces. This warning signifies a medium likelihood of minor impacts, but the public is urged to take caution as conditions can change rapidly. The affected areas include Gauteng, the Highveld of Mpumalanga, parts of Limpopo, the Free State, and North West.
“The warning will persist into the beginning of the weekend,” Mkhari stated. “Specifically, on Friday, the Yellow Level 2 warning continues for parts of Mpumalanga, most of the North West, the eastern Free State, and the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Mkhari explained that the weather for the interior and central parts of South Africa will follow a predictable daily cycle through Sunday: “The weather is just repeating itself. Mornings will start cloudy, clearing to sunny or partly cloudy conditions by late morning. Then, in the late afternoons and evenings, we expect the development of isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers.”
‘Weather is repeating itself’
These are not ordinary summer storms. Mkhari highlighted the specific risks: “These thunderstorms may lead to localised flooding in low-lying areas, roads, and informal settlements. They are also expected to be accompanied by excessive lightning, posing a danger to life and property, and heavy downpours. There is also a possibility of hail in some places, which can damage vehicles, crops, and infrastructure.”
Despite the stormy afternoons, temperatures will remain cool to warm, lacking the extreme heat that often fuels more volatile supercell storms. This suggests a pattern of widespread, moisture-driven rainfall rather than isolated, violent outbreaks.
Context from Recent Rainfall: A Saws preliminary report from Wednesday, December 24th, illustrates the intensity this pattern can produce. Significant rainfall was recorded across multiple provinces:
– Free State: Wepener (57mm)
– Eastern Cape: Buffelsfontein (31mm)
– Gauteng: Westonaria (26mm)
– Mpumalanga: Secunda (21mm)
– Northern Cape: Van Zylsrus (21mm)
– North West: Lichtenburg (18mm)
– Western Cape: Mossel Bay (16mm)
This data confirms the widespread nature of the current weather system and provides a benchmark for potential rainfall amounts over the coming days.
Practical Advice for the Public:
1. Travel with Care: Reduce speed on wet roads, avoid crossing low-water bridges, and be vigilant for sudden reduced visibility.
2. Secure Property: Clear gutters and drainage paths to prevent water damage. Move vehicles under cover if hail is forecast.
3. Lightning Safety: Seek shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle when thunderstorms approach. Avoid open fields, hilltops, and isolated trees.
4. Stay Informed: Follow updates from Saws and local disaster management teams, especially if living in flood-prone areas.