By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning regarding the possibility of widespread, heavy rain in the coming days, beginning on Sunday.
In a statement on Friday, SAWS warned that heavy rains could result in flooding or river flooding that might cause significant disruption in some provinces, but it has ndicated that both Western Cape and Eastern Cape will not be directly affected.
“On Sunday, December 10, weather conditions will begin to deteriorate significantly, as the cut-off low manifests itself over the northern parts of the Northern Cape, introducing marked instability into the atmosphere, to drive widespread showers and thundershowers.
“As tropical air begins to stream southward over Botswana and South Africa, conditions will become progressively cloudy to overcast. During the course of the day, rain will set in over numerous provinces, including North West, the Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and to a lesser extent, KwaZulu-Natal,” SAWS said.
Heavy rainfall is likely to occur in many parts of the above-mentioned provinces, elevating the risk of flooding as well as river flooding.
The public has been urged to monitor, and to take heed of, regular weather updates and warnings issued by the weather service.
“Moreover, as the rain produced by this system is expected to continue unabated into Monday, 11 December, the ground is likely to become saturated, leading to widespread overland runoff into streams and rivers.
“Whilst this phenomenon will ultimately lead to increased dam levels, the risk of river flooding (and associated road closures and general traffic disruption) will remain particularly high. Disaster management practitioners are also advised to maintain a high level of vigilance during this period, should river flooding continue to pose a safety and health risk to the public at large,” SAWS said.
Motorists and pedestrians are urged not to try to cross rivers or streams, which are already flooded, under any circumstances.
The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor this weather system and issue subsequent updates and impact-based warnings over the next few days.
Updated information will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as on X at @SAWeatherServic and Facebook @SouthAfricanWeatherservice.