The SA weather service (SAWS) has warned of possible widespread rainfall in the east of the country until Christmas Eve.
South Africa has endured a prolonged heatwave that has lasted, in some parts of the country, for up to two weeks.
However, SAWS now expects increased rainfall in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern Free State, eastern parts of North West, and the western and southern areas of Limpopo from December 18 to 24.
Elevated risk of flooding
This substantial rainfall of between 70 – 150mm will likely elevate the risk of flooding. The SAWS forecasted the rainfall to be accompanied by cool temperatures in the eastern parts of the country. A welcome relief from the extreme heat and uncomfortable conditions in the recent past weeks.
The outlook for Thursday shows possible isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over central and eastern South Africa.
This is mainly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Hail is also anticipated
SAWS expects heavy downpours that may lead to localised flooding, damaging winds as well as hail in places over Gauteng, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and southern Limpopo.
On Friday, the service predicted isolated showers and thundershowers in the north east of the country. Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West can expect scattered thundershowers and the South Coast, light rain.
- SA weather service
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