Severe thunderstorms expected in THESE areas

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

The warning is for Thursday, 22 February.

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SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN THREE PROVINCES

The weather service said thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon with possible large amounts of small hail and heavy rain.

The phenomenon may lead to:

• Localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges
• Strong damaging winds and excessive lightning
• Consequently, the damaging winds may lead to structural damages over the escarpment areas in Mpumalanga, Western Bushveld and the south-central parts of Limpopo.

HEATWAVE CONDITIONS TO PERSIST IN PARTS OF SA

Meanwhile, the weather service issued an advisory about heatwaves and extremely hot weather conditions.

The weather service said although some places do not meet the technical definition of a heatwave, they are also expected to experience extreme heat.

In addition, some places over the central and eastern parts of the country have been experiencing occurrences of severe thunderstorms in the past weeks.

The extreme heat produced excessive lightning, hail, strong damaging winds, and heavy downpours.

“Conditions for further thunderstorms, with potential for some becoming severe, are expected to persist into the weekend,” the weather service said.