eThekwini on high alert as SAWS issues Yellow Level 4 thunderstorm warning

eThekwini disaster teams are on standby as severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and lightning are forecast across much of KwaZulu-Natal.

EThekwini’s disaster management and emergency response personnel have been placed on high alert ahead of possible severe thunderstorms from midday.

This follows a Yellow Level 4 warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), forecasting heavy downpours, hail and severe lightning over most parts of KwaZulu-Natal, except the north-east. The weather service also warned that flooding was possible in some areas.

Flood-prone areas are being monitored by disaster management teams, with emergency personnel and equipment ready for rapid deployment wherever required, Arrive Alive reported.

"Our teams are closely monitoring areas prone to weather-related incidents, and resources are on standby to respond swiftly wherever they are needed. We urge residents to take the warning seriously and put their safety first," Disaster Management Director Vincent Ngubane said.

Rainfall patterns for Sunday, as forecast by SAWS.

SAWS also issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms and possible localised flooding over the eastern and north-eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.

Meanwhile, a heatwave with persistently high temperatures is expected over the Highveld, including northern Gauteng, parts of the Mpumalanga escarpment and the central Eastern Cape.

Polokwane and Upington are expected to reach 34°C, with 33°C forecast for Pretoria and 32°C for Johannesburg. The western parts of the country can expect much cooler conditions, with 22°C forecast for Cape Town and 19°C for George.

Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape, as well as parts of the Free State and central North West.