Gauteng Grapples with Severe Thunderstorms: A Hail of a January
The Storm Warning
Gauteng residents were warned to brace for severe thunderstorms, hail, and flooding on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
The warning came amid scorching temperatures experienced in the past week.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a warning for the possibility of severe thunderstorms from 13:00 to 23:59, with a 60% rain probability.
The Potential Threats
The potential threats included large amounts of small hail, heavy rain, and damaging winds.
Traffic was likely to be impacted by the severe thunderstorms, with the Johannesburg Emergency Services urging motorists to take extra precautions when driving.
SAWS also issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms.
The Impact
Severe thunderstorms with possible heavy downpours, damaging winds, and large amounts of small hail were expected to lead to localized flooding of susceptible low-lying areas and bridges.
This could cause localized disruption for high sided vehicles, as well as localized disruption to services.
The Global Effort
SAWS Chief Executive Officer, Ishaam Abader, urged the media's hand in helping the country make a meaningful contribution towards global efforts aimed at protecting the world population from hazardous weather, water, or climate events by 2027.
The Climate Change Impact
South Africa remains susceptible to the negative impacts of climate change and hazardous weather including severe floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, storms, and heat waves.
This poses a threat to life, livelihoods, property, and infrastructure.
The Future Predictions
SAWS warned of more possible heavy weather in the coming months.
The predictions are not confined to extreme wet weather, with drier and warmer conditions expected till March.
The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is in an El Nino state and, according to the latest predictions, is expected to persist through most of the summer.
This comprehensive report underscores the importance of being prepared for severe weather conditions and the role each one of us can play in mitigating the effects of climate change.
As Gauteng grapples with these severe thunderstorms, it serves as a reminder of the larger global issue at hand - the urgent need to address climate change.
