The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued urgent warnings for heavy rainfall expected across several provinces starting Sunday and extending through Wednesday. The affected regions include North West, Gauteng, the northern parts of the Free State, Highveld in Mpumalanga, and south-western Limpopo.
Residents in these areas have been urged to prepare for potential localized flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas such as bridges, low-lying roads, and flat plains.
Regions and Conditions at Risk
SAWS warned that cloudy to overcast skies will prevail across most of South Africa, bringing ordinary showers, thundershowers, and rainfall accumulations between 20 to 50 millimeters (mm). Temperatures in these regions are expected to be cooler than usual for this time of year.
“The transport of moist tropical air from a continental low over Botswana is the main source of the current cloudy and showery conditions,” explained SAWS.
Further south, severe thunderstorms are anticipated across the southern Free State and northern Eastern Cape. These storms are likely to bring damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail, and heavy downpours.
Additionally, strong, potentially damaging winds are expected along the west and south-west coasts of the Cape provinces. SAWS attributed this to a tight pressure gradient along the west coast, which could exacerbate weather-related disruptions.
Extended Rainfall on Monday and Beyond
No significant changes are anticipated in the rainfall pattern by Monday, apart from widespread showers (80%) extending across the North West and Gauteng provinces. This will increase the likelihood of disruptive rainfall in certain areas.
The tropical airmass driving this weather pattern is expected to bring daily rainfall amounts of 30 to 50mm from Sunday through Tuesday. Continual showers may persist on Wednesday and possibly into Thursday morning.
Rainfall could continue to affect the coastal region of the eastern half of the Eastern Cape and the southern coastline of KwaZulu-Natal before the weather begins to improve later in the week.
Precautions and Safety Measures
SAWS has urged residents and travelers to take precautions to ensure their safety during this period of potentially hazardous weather. These include:
- Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams: Rising water levels can be deceptively strong and pose serious risks to motorists and pedestrians.
- Move to higher ground if water levels rise: Residents living in low-lying areas should be vigilant and prepared to evacuate to safer locations if necessary.
- Avoid bridges or roads in low-lying areas: These locations are especially vulnerable to flooding and can quickly become dangerous during heavy rain.
Typical Summer Thunderstorms
SAWS noted that South Africa’s summer thunderstorms typically develop during the afternoon and early evening, driven by the country’s tropical moisture.
“The tropical airmass typically possesses a significant amount of energy, which can result in persistent showers and thunderstorms during this time of year,” the weather service explained.
Transport and Commuter Warnings
Motorists and pedestrians have been urged to exercise extra caution on slippery roads or in areas where visibility may be affected by heavy rain. Traffic congestion and delays are expected in flood-prone areas, particularly along bridges and highways in low-lying regions.
SAWS also emphasized the importance of staying updated on local weather conditions and warnings through official channels, encouraging residents to follow safety guidelines to minimize risks.
Conclusion
With heavy rainfall and potential flooding expected across multiple regions, residents are advised to remain alert and take the necessary precautions. The South African Weather Service continues to monitor conditions and will provide regular updates as the weather system progresses.
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