Weather update: Heatwaves and thunderstorms continue
Heatwave conditions will continue until Saturday in the North West, Free State, and Northern Cape.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says heatwave conditions will continue until Saturday in the North West, Free State, and Northern Cape.
Greater parts of South Africa have been experiencing extreme heat in recent weeks, with maximum temperatures peaking above 40 degrees in places over the Northern and Western Cape.
HEATWAVE CONDITIONS TO PERSIST
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.
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POSSIBLE IMPACTS:
Consequently, severe thunderstorms may lead to localised flooding of roads and settlements.
Furthermore, the uprooting of trees may cause damage to property and infrastructure, service disruptions due to power surges, and localized injuries and danger to life due to lightning.