Weather Service Predicts 60% Week-Long Showers, Later Cold Front Across SA

• The SA Weather Service has predicted a multitude of weather events to batter SA throughout the week, starting 16 December 2024
• Chances of 30% and 60% thundershowers were expected as heavy downpours are set to wreak across all provinces until 19 December
• A Yellow Level 2 warning for thunderstorms could result in severe weather, including heavy downpours, hail, and strong winds

SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa's nine provinces are set for a wet week after the SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in its latest predictions.

Beginning Monday, 16 December 2024, hail will fall over most parts of Gauteng and the eastern parts of the North West and Free State.

60% Rainfall expected across SA

Similar weather is expected over Mpumalanga, the western areas of Limpopo, and northern KwaZulu-Natal until Thursday, 19 December. Meteorologist Venetia Phakula said localised flooding was expected in low-lying areas.

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"There's a 60% chance of rain in all the provinces, with a good chance of it in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and the Northwest.

"[On Tuesday], the prediction for Limpopo and eastern parts [of South Africa] was more [or less] 30%," said Phakula.

She said the Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms could result in heavy downpours, hail, strong winds, and excessive lightning.

Additionally, she said the extreme weather posed a significant risk and could prove disastrous in low-lying areas.

"There might be flooding, likely damaging properties. As a result, there might be disruption to municipal services.

"On Wednesday, there's a good chance of rain over Gauteng, Limpopo and parts of Mpumalanga. And on Thursday, there's a possibility of both rain and disruptive rain."

Phakula also expected a slight cold front on Friday. She said this brushover would mostly be felt in the country's southern parts.

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"The rain is not a consequence of the cold front, but more a result of a passing upper air trough. There is tropical moisture over most provinces."

Severe thunderstorms for KZN towns

In a related news story, Briefly News reported that KZN residents were put on high alert following a warning about severe thunderstorms.

SAWS has predicted that the province will experience devastating storms between 3pm and midnight on Tuesday, 17 December.

Source: Briefly News