South African Weather Service (SAWS)
By Lerato Mpembe
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. These storms are expected to bring strong winds and heavy downpours, leading to localized flooding in susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and informal settlements in the Mpumalanga Lowveld and Limpopo. 
In addition to the thunderstorm warning, a high fire danger alert has been issued for the eastern and central parts of the Western Cape, the extreme north-western parts of the Eastern Cape, and the central parts of the Northern Cape. SAWS has indicated that extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions are anticipated in the Western Cape, with a heatwave predicted over the north-western parts of the Eastern Cape until New Year’s Eve. 
The rest of the country can expect fine to warm and hot weather conditions.
In KwaZulu-Natal, families in the uMzinyathi and uMgungundlovu Districts have begun mop-up operations following severe thunderstorms that devastated parts of the province on Friday. The hardest-hit area is Mbulwane, Ward 1 of the Umvoti Local Municipality, where 718 people were affected by a hailstorm. Fortunately, no lives were lost in this incident. In the uMgungundlovu District, under the Mpofana Local Municipality, strong winds and heavy rain damaged seven houses. 
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged communities to remain vigilant as heavy rains are expected to continue throughout the weekend. 
Impact on Infrastructure and Communities
The severe weather conditions have led to significant damage to infrastructure in various regions. In KwaZulu-Natal, key infrastructure affected includes the Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (formerly Edendale Hospital) and the Aloe Ridge Social Housing Project. Ashdown Primary School was flooded, and the roof of a building was blown off. 
Disaster management teams have been deployed to assess the damage and provide relief to affected communities. Residents are advised to follow safety measures as these weather conditions pose significant risks to human life. 
Precautionary Measures
SAWS advises the public to take necessary precautions during these severe weather conditions. This includes staying indoors during thunderstorms, avoiding crossing flooded roads or bridges, and ensuring that properties are secured against strong winds. Communities in high-risk areas should remain alert and follow updates from SAWS and local authorities.
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