Weather alert: Heavy rainfall expected in these areas until Wednesday

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised of the return of heavy showers across parts of South Africa this week.

In a statement on Sunday, the weather service advised communities living in low-lying areas and flat plains to be on the lookout for the disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa, until Wednesday, 19 February. 

Daytime temperatures expected to be cool

“Motorists and pedestrians should be extra cautious where roads are slippery and/or visibility is affected. These conditions with cloudy to overcast skies are expected across South Africa along with subregions of ordinary showers and thundershowers. 

“The rainfall accumulation is expected to be in the region of 20 to 50 millimetres. Daytime temperatures in these regions are also expected to be cool. The transport of moist tropical air from continental low over Botswana is the main source of the current cloudy and showery conditions,” SAWS said.

Added to which, severe thunderstorms are expected in places across the southern Free State and northern region of the Eastern Cape where damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail and heavy downpours are likely. 

“However, potentially strong damaging winds are expected along the west and south-west coasts of the Cape Provinces. Damaging winds are possible due to the tight pressure gradient along the west coast.

“No major changes are anticipated on the rainfall pattern on Monday, 17 February, apart from the extension of widespread showers (80%) across the North West and Gauteng, where additional disruptive rain is expected in places.

“Summer thunderstorms across South Africa ordinarily develop in the afternoon and early evening. As was stated just before the onset of persistent showers in early January, the tropical moisture typically possesses a significant amount of energy,” SAWS said.

In the case of Sunday through Tuesday, 18 February, the tropical airmass is expected to cause disruptive rain during this week, with amounts in the region of 30 to 50 mm daily.

Further, continual showers are also expected on Wednesday and might persist into Thursday morning. 

There will still be the likelihood of disruptive rain around the coastal region of the eastern half of the Eastern Cape, as well as the southern coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, before the rainfall return to the more favourable weather in South Africa.

To ensure safety and preparedness, the following precautions are advised:

• Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams.
• Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed.
• Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding.
• Adherence to these guidelines can significantly reduce risks and help ensure public safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.