Johannesburg: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms, with heavy downpours expected in the North West on Thursday.

According to South African Government News Agency, a Yellow Level 4 warning has been issued, indicating that severe thunderstorms may bring strong, damaging winds, hail, excessive lightning, and heavy rainfall. These conditions could lead to flooding and damage to both formal and informal settlements, as well as infrastructure in the North West province.

SAWS has also highlighted the risk of severe thunderstorms causing localized flooding in Gauteng, the eastern parts of Northern Cape, and Limpopo, excluding the south-eastern areas of Limpopo. The potential flooding may impact susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges, potentially leading to localized damage to infrastructure and informal settlements.

The weather outlook for Friday and Saturday suggests partly cloudy and cold to cool conditions, accompanied by isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers. Rainfall is expected to be more widespread over the Northern Cape on Friday.

Members of the public and stakeholders are advised to regularly monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings, as updates will be provided as conditions develop and the severity of impacts becomes clearer.