Pretoria: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings of severe thunderstorms and heavy rain expected to affect several regions across the country throughout the coming week.

According to South African Government News Agency, a cut-off low-pressure system is anticipated to approach from the northwestern interior, particularly impacting the Eastern Cape. This weather system is likely to result in severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, strong winds, and hail across the Northern Cape, Free State, and parts of North West.

The weather service has cautioned that these conditions might lead to flooding of roads, settlements, and low-lying bridges, along with potentially damaging winds. Tuesday's forecast predicts cloudy conditions over central and eastern parts, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers expected. A Yellow Level 4 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms in the western parts of the Eastern Cape and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, while a Yellow Level 2 warning is in place for localized flooding in central and eastern interiors.

Looking ahead, no significant weather events are expected on Wednesday. However, Thursday through Sunday carries a low to medium chance of rainfall and thunderstorms in varied regions including Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. Severe thunderstorms are projected for Monday in parts of the Northern and Western Cape, and for Tuesday in the Free State and Eastern Cape.

The weather outlook suggests moderate to high winds along the east and south-east coasts on Monday and Tuesday, with similar conditions expected for other coastal areas throughout the week. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, particularly in susceptible areas prone to flooding and strong winds.