Heavy rain warning for most parts of South Africa until Christmas Eve

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a rain fall warning for Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern Free State, eastern parts of North West, and the western and southern areas of Limpopo.

The forecaster said the six provinces will experience increased rainfall from Wednesday until December 24.

"This substantial rainfall increase is likely to elevate the risk of flooding. As a result, the public is strongly urged to stay informed by following short-term weather forecasts and any warnings issued by the SAWS," said the forecaster.

SAWS said with the forecasted rainfall and accompanying cloud cover, temperatures in the eastern parts of the country are expected to cool down, providing some relief from the extreme heat and uncomfortable conditions experienced in recent weeks.

"Large parts of South Africa’s interior have experienced heat waves in recent months, with a particularly intense and prolonged heat wave lasting for two weeks during the first half of December 2024. This heat wave resulted in several new temperature records, both maximum and minimum, across various provinces," said SAWS.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, SAWS said there's a possibility of isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over the central and eastern areas of the country, but widespread over KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

"The expected thunderstorms may result in heavy downpours that may lead to localised flooding, a possibility of damaging winds as well as hail in places over Gauteng, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga as well as the southern parts of Limpopo."

On Friday, isolated showers and thundershowers are possible over the north-eastern areas of the country, but scattered over Gauteng, Mpumalanga as well as the eastern parts of North West with light rain expected along the south coast.

SAWS said it will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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