Get Your Brolly Ready: South Africa Braces for a Long, Wet Stretch

Heavy rains continue to soak the country and it’s only the beginning

If you thought this week’s rain was a passing shower, think again. South Africa’s skies have opened up, and meteorologists are warning that the stormy spell drenching much of the country is far from over.

From Johannesburg’s soaked streets to muddy farmlands in the Free State, the nation is in for days of scattered thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and possible flooding, particularly across the country’s interior.

According to Vox Weather meteorologist Michelle du Plessis, the past few days have already seen impressive rainfall totals with some farmers reporting record-breaking measurements.

“One farmer in Wesselsbron even reported nearly 100mm,” Du Plessis said. “That gives you an idea of how intense some of these storms have been.”

Storms Drench the Interior

A yellow Level 2 weather alert remains in effect over large parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West, warning residents to brace for localised flooding, slick roads, and possible disruptions to outdoor events and travel.

The latest systems have brought welcome relief to drought-hit regions but also raised concerns over soil erosion and crop damage in agricultural areas already saturated by repeated storms.

Farmers in the central provinces have shared mixed feelings online. Some, relieved by the long-awaited rainfall, celebrated the moisture as “a blessing at last.” Others, however, expressed frustration as torrential downpours washed out fields and made planting nearly impossible.

What’s Still to Come

Meteorologists expect the wet weather to stick around well into the weekend.

“Scattered rain and thundershowers are likely to continue over Gauteng, eastern North West, northern Free State, Mpumalanga, southern Limpopo, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” Du Plessis said.

On Friday, the heaviest rainfall will shift into the central interior, particularly over the Free State, with isolated to scattered showers persisting across the province.

By Saturday, the storm activity is expected to move northeast, bringing renewed rain to northern Free State, parts of Gauteng, and the Mpumalanga escarpment.

On Sunday, showers will continue over Limpopo, the Mpumalanga highveld, and northern Gauteng, while the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal can also expect a soggy end to the weekend.

Some areas could see 20 to 50mm of rain, with localised flooding possible in low-lying regions.

The Silver Lining

While the extended wet spell may inconvenience weekend plans, it also brings some critical relief to the agricultural sector and dam levels, particularly after months of erratic rainfall.

“This is the kind of widespread, sustained rain we need going into the summer growing season,” said Du Plessis. “It’s replenishing the soil and recharging catchment areas.”

South Africans, however, are being urged to stay cautious especially drivers navigating slick roads and communities living in flood-prone zones.

Emergency services have reminded the public to avoid crossing flooded roads or low bridges and to keep an eye on official weather updates through the South African Weather Service and local authorities.

Social Media Soaked in Weather Talk

On social platforms, the country’s collective mood is split between delight and despair. “My garden looks like a jungle, but my roof looks like a waterfall,” joked one Johannesburg resident on X (formerly Twitter). Another posted a flooded driveway with the caption: “We didn’t ask for Cape Town weather in Joburg!”

Many users have also applauded the rainfall as a blessing after months of heatwaves, while others grumbled about extended load shedding coinciding with gloomy, thunder-filled days.

A Wet Week Ahead

So, if you’re heading out, keep that umbrella close and your shoes waterproof this is one of those classic South African weeks where the weather keeps everyone guessing.

As Du Plessis put it, “The rain isn’t done with us yet.”

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com