Mpumalanga Storm Warning: Severe Thunderstorms Forecast
MBOMBELA — The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a high priority warning for severe thunderstorms expected to sweep across the Mpumalanga Highveld this afternoon. Residents and motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution as the weather system threatens to disrupt infrastructure and travel across the province.
According to the national forecaster, the thunderstorms are likely to result in localised flooding of roads, bridges, and low-lying areas. The warning highlights the potential for large quantities of small hail and damaging winds, which pose a significant risk to informal settlements and formal infrastructure alike. While most of Mpumalanga remains under threat, the Lowveld region is expected to be excluded from the most severe impacts.
The current weather pattern is driven by a surface high-pressure system dominating the central and eastern parts of the country. Forecasters noted that while isolated rain and showers are possible across the eastern regions today, the primary concern remains the intensity of the storms developing over the interior. A surface trough stretching from the west coast into the northern interior is contributing to the unstable atmospheric conditions.
This weather event follows a period of volatile climate patterns in the region. Infrastructure damage from high-velocity winds and hail remains a recurring concern for local municipalities, particularly regarding the maintenance of drainage systems and the safety of residents in vulnerable housing. Authorities have advised the public to avoid crossing flooded bridges and to seek sturdy shelter during the peak of the storm.
Looking further ahead, forecasters are monitoring a cold front that is expected to slip south of the country by Friday. For now, the focus remains on the immediate threat of flooding and wind damage. Emergency services in the Highveld region have been placed on alert to respond to any localized disasters or road closures resulting from the predicted heavy rainfall.
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