Thunderstorms not likely to affect weekend

VISITORS to East London’s beaches can look forward to partly cloudy skies with warm temperatures and a slim chance of thundershowers this weekend.

However, the weather services office warned that the Eastern Cape should brace itself for severe weather this summer season, with lightning, thunder and possible hail. The warning comes days after a severe thunderstorm hit the province this week, damaging schools, residential property and disrupting a few festival events.

Forecaster Markus Geldenhuys from the Eastern Cape Forecasting Desk said several thunderstorms should be expected throughout the summer season.

“These storms were producing very strong winds which caused a lot of damage,” said Geldenhuys.

Overcast skies has raised concern among some revellers who plan to camp out at the beaches around the Buffalo City Metro this weekend.

Nwabisa Mzamo said she was preparing a trip with her family to camp out at Leaches Bay.

“It’s important we know the weather so that we are not caught off guard because although we are used to the rain over this time of the year, it has been very sunny lately,” she said.

Geldenhuys said morning mist would kick off the day today, but no thunderstorms were forecast.

“Although nothing has been issued for severe thunderstorms for the coming days it is always a possibility to consider in summer time.

“The thunderstorms for Friday and Saturday look slow moving and normal with a possibility of hail.

“Otherwise the day will remain partly cloudy with warm temperatures and mild winds. There are slim chances for afternoon thunderstorms drifting down to the East London area.

“Saturday looks partly cloudy becoming fine, warm and windy as well with a slim chance for some afternoon thunderstorms drifting down from the interior, with clear skies in the evening.”

Geldenhuys said nothing looked any different for Sunday’s forecast.

“The North Western parts of the Eastern Cape will experience very hot temperatures while other areas will have fairly hot temperatures over the weekend.

“With extreme temperatures inland, while the coast areas will be much cooler. Sunday temperatures will drop slightly, although they will still be relatively warm.”

Geldenhuys said thunderstorms would be experienced over the weekend in the afternoon.

“Sometimes a storm can change from just a normal thunderstorm to a severe storm in a matter of minutes.” —