Overview
- SAWS upgraded the Eastern Cape to a yellow level 4 alert for severe thunderstorms, with heavy rain, hail, damaging winds and excessive lightning raising the risk of localised flooding.
- The unstable band of storms stretches through the Free State, North West and the southern parts of Limpopo, with severe activity also possible in Mpumalanga.
- SAWS forecasts thunderstorms strengthening over KwaZulu-Natal later Thursday, while rain is also expected in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
- Gauteng remains under a yellow level 2 risk for thunderstorms, with warm daytime conditions and early fog patches that could reduce visibility.
- Forecasters and local authorities urge residents to avoid flooded roads and swollen rivers, secure loose items and monitor official weather updates.