Stormy Weekend Ahead: Gauteng Prepares for Heat, Showers, and Thundershowers

Gauteng is gearing up for a weekend of warm temperatures punctuated by afternoon showers and thundershowers. The South African Weather Service (Saws) warns residents to expect cloudy mornings that give way to wet, stormy afternoons ,a familiar pattern for the province during the summer months.

From Pretoria to Johannesburg, the weekend will bring a mix of heat and moisture, reminding locals that Gauteng’s summer weather can change in a heartbeat.

Pretoria: Warm Days, Afternoon Storms

In Tshwane, the weekend starts with cloudy mornings and early heat. Saturday kicks off with temperatures around 20°C in the early hours, rising to 22°C by 8am. But residents shouldn’t plan outdoor activities without keeping an eye on the sky, Saws forecasts showers and thundershowers from the afternoon onwards, peaking at around 29°C. Evening temperatures will settle near 24°C, accompanied by gentle east-north-east winds averaging 9 km/h.

Sunday follows a similar script, with morning temperatures hovering around 20°C, climbing to highs of 29–30°C in the afternoon, and a 60% chance of rain. Both days could see up to 5mm of rainfall, enough to dampen outdoor plans but not to cause widespread flooding.

Johannesburg: Afternoon Storms Bring Relief from the Heat

Johannesburg will experience a comparable weather pattern. Saturday begins at 19°C, warming to 27–28°C by the afternoon, when showers and thundershowers are likely to roll in. Winds will shift from north-north-east to southerly and south-westerly directions as the day progresses.

Sunday is expected to be wetter, with a high probability of showers throughout the day. Morning temperatures will sit around 19°C, reaching 24°C in the afternoon, and rainfall could rise to 10mm. Locals should anticipate lingering clouds and intermittent rain for much of the day.

Staying Safe on Wet Roads

With the festive season in full swing, many Gauteng motorists will be on the move this weekend. Wet roads and afternoon storms increase the risk of accidents, so safety experts urge drivers to adapt to the conditions.

Dev Naidoo, a local tyre specialist, emphasized the importance of tyre checks, proper pressure, and safe driving habits in rainy weather. “Drivers must adjust their habits to the conditions slower speeds, increased following distances, and functional tyres can make a huge difference,” he said.

Safety Tips for Drivers:

• Ensure tyres have at least 1.6 mm tread depth.

• Reduce speed and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

• Increase following distance to allow extra stopping time.

• Use headlights appropriately during heavy rain.

• Check wipers and windscreen fluid for clear visibility.

A Weekend of Gauteng’s Summer Contrasts

This weekend reminds residents of the dual nature of Gauteng summers heat in the morning and stormy relief in the afternoon. Whether it’s Pretoria’s 30°C peaks or Johannesburg’s 10mm downpours, locals should plan outdoor activities with caution and respect the unpredictable patterns of summer weather.

Even if your weekend plans are outdoors, carrying an umbrella and leaving a little earlier for travel could make all the difference in navigating Gauteng’s stormy summer weekend.

{Source: The Citizen}

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