Gauteng Braces for Weekend Rain: Joburg Emergency Services on High Alert

If you’re planning a weekend in Gauteng, you may want to keep an umbrella handy and perhaps rethink that drive through low-lying areas. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast consistent showers and thundershowers across Johannesburg and Pretoria, raising concerns about possible localised flooding.

A Damp Weekend Ahead

According to SAWS, Saturday and Sunday will bring on-and-off rain paired with mild to warm temperatures. In Pretoria, Saturday will start wet, with showers and thundershowers tapering into partly cloudy skies later in the day. Humidity is expected to dip from 65% in the morning to around 45% by evening.

Johannesburg can expect almost identical conditions, rainy mornings, clearer afternoons, but the risk of sudden downpours remains. SAWS has also flagged the chance of severe thunderstorms in the North West Province, which could spill over into parts of Gauteng.

Emergency Services on Standby

Joburg Emergency Services say they’ll be monitoring the situation closely. Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi confirmed that fire stations across the city, along with specialised teams like the aquatic rescue unit, will be on high alert to respond to emergencies.

His advice was direct:

• Avoid attempting to cross swollen rivers or streams.

• Stay away from flood-prone areas, especially in low-lying communities.

• Call the city’s emergency centre immediately if you encounter a dangerous situation.

“We remain on high alert together with our fire stations throughout the City of Johannesburg for any emergencies which might occur,” Mulaudzi said.

National Outlook: From Flood Risks to Fire Danger

While Gauteng is bracing for rain, it’s a different story in parts of the Western Cape. SAWS has issued a fire danger warning for Matzikama, Cederberg, and Bergriver municipalities, where hot, dry conditions could trigger flare-ups. Elsewhere in the country, isolated showers are expected across the central and eastern regions, underscoring the patchwork of weather South Africans will face this weekend.

Rainy Days in Joburg: A Familiar Concern

For Joburgers, sudden heavy rains often mean traffic delays, power outages, and waterlogged streets. Social media has already started buzzing with residents swapping tips on safe driving and sharing frustrations about potholes that worsen in wet weather. Some communities, particularly in informal settlements near riverbanks, have raised concerns about recurring flooding every rainy season.

Rain brings relief after weeks of dry heat, but it also brings risk. Authorities are urging caution on the roads, extra care in flood-prone areas, and readiness to report emergencies.

For many Gauteng residents, the weekend might be best spent indoors, listening to the rhythm of the rain while keeping safe from its disruptions.

{Source: The Citizen}

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