The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall expected over the coming weekend and throughout the summer season.
On Thursday, the service briefed the media in Pretoria, attributing the severe weather conditions to La Niña — a climate pattern in which cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures occur in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon typically results in above-normal rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds over parts of South Africa.
The briefing was addressed by two senior weather forecasters and a scientist, who urged the public to take weather warnings seriously.
Senior Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said the current rainfall is expected to continue into the weekend.
“Thunderstorm activity is expected to occur primarily in the afternoons, although periods of increased moisture may result in morning showers in some areas,” Thobela said.
According to SAWS, South Africa is experiencing one of its wettest summers on record.
“Much of the rainfall during this period will be associated with afternoon and evening thundershowers, which may at times be accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds,” said Senior Forecaster Jacqueline Modika.
“These wetter-than-usual conditions are consistent with the typical impacts associated with La Niña episodes and are expected to persist into mid-to-late summer,” she added.
The weather service said it will continue to keep the public informed and urged communities to heed weather warnings.
“From a disaster risk reduction perspective, the anticipated rainfall may bring positive impacts for water resources and agriculture, but it also raises the risk of localised flooding, particularly in flood-prone areas, informal settlements and regions with poor drainage infrastructure,” Modika said.
“Communities are urged to remain vigilant, especially during periods of persistent or intense rainfall. It is of utmost importance for the public, particularly vulnerable communities, to regularly consult credible weather forecasts and warning sources and take appropriate action as part of their daily routine.”