Rain and Thunderstorms Expected to Soak South Africa Over Christmas and New Year

A Wet Festive Season Ahead

As the festive season approaches, South Africans may need to pack more than just gifts and festive cheer, umbrellas and raincoats could come in handy. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that wet weather, including rain and thunderstorms, is likely to persist through both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Senior forecaster Jacqueline Modika explained that the country is transitioning into a weak La Niña climate pattern, which is currently influencing rainfall and temperature trends nationwide.

Where the Rain Will Hit

“The weak La Niña typically brings above-normal summer rain to the northeast of South Africa,” Modika said. Provinces such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the North West and Free State are expected to see the bulk of the rainfall.

Partly cloudy skies, warm-to-cool temperatures, and scattered showers are predicted across much of the country. Thunderstorms are likely to develop mainly in the afternoons, though some regions may experience morning showers due to increased moisture.

“Many areas will see afternoon and evening thundershowers accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty winds,” Modika added.

A Season Marked by Severe Weather

This month, South Africa has already experienced several severe weather events. KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands saw heavy rainfall causing widespread flooding in the uMshwathi municipal area, resulting in loss of life and significant infrastructure damage.

Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm swept through Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, bringing large hail, heavy rain, and strong winds. Northern Gauteng and adjacent Limpopo areas were hardest hit.

The year has been particularly brutal in terms of rainfall, with Eastern Cape communities like Decoligny near Mthatha suffering devastating floods that claimed over 100 lives.

Temperature Trends

Weather patterns are also affecting temperatures. Overnight lows are expected to be above normal across most of the country, while daytime highs in the northeast may be below normal due to increased cloud cover and rain. In contrast, parts of the southwest can anticipate above-normal maximum temperatures.

SAWS scientist Cobus Olivier highlighted that the central and eastern parts of the country experienced one of the wettest springs in the last 45 years, a trend that continues into the summer festive season.

What This Means for Festive Plans

For South Africans planning outdoor celebrations, braais, or beach trips, preparation will be key. Thunderstorm warnings and local flood alerts should be closely monitored, especially in historically flood-prone areas.

Social media has already been buzzing with locals sharing plans for indoor festive activities, acknowledging that this holiday season may be wetter than usual.

While the rain may dampen some celebrations, Modika reminds everyone that “above-normal rainfall is vital for water reservoirs and agriculture,” offering a silver lining to a soggy festive season.

{Source: The Citizen}

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