A wet New Year’s Eve in the Lowveld could put a damper on fireworks
Much to the delight of pet owners, and to the disappointment of pyromaniacs, a wet New Year's Eve is expected in the Lowveld.
After a very wet Christmas in the Lowveld, Mpumalanga is in for more rain to welcome in 2024, according to the SAWS.
According to the weather service, the outlook for the new year is predicted to be a wet one.
On Sunday December 31, it will be cloudy in Mbombela with a 30% chance of rain.
⛈️Weather outlook for Sunday,
Partly cloudy and warm, but cool in the south with isolated showers but widespread to scattered thundershowers are expected over eastern and southern areas.#saws#SouthAfricanweather#WeatherUpdate pic.twitter.com/CUWeS8VKH9— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) December 29, 2023
Mpumalanga Tomorrow 's Weather overview: 31/12/2023 pic.twitter.com/hQtnrAVVsh
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) December 30, 2023
“It will be partly cloudy and warm, but with cool conditions with isolated showers and widespread scattered thundershowers that are expected over the eastern and southern areas of South Africa,” said the SAWS.
Also read: A happy, clean Mbombela planned for New Year’s Day, 2024
They also predict that the Lowveld will greet 2024, on Monday January 1, with isolated to widespread scattered thundershowers along the escarpments of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
⛈️Weather outlook for Monday,
Partly cloudy and warm, but cool in places in the east with isolated to scattered thundershowers, but widespread along the escarpments of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. #saws#SouthAfricanweather#weather pic.twitter.com/JuV9BjRbgu— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) December 29, 2023
The Lowveld can expect an 80% chance of rain.
This comes as a delight to pet owners.
Lize Pienaar from the SPCA advised pet owners: “If you know your pet(s) will suffer from anxiety during the New Year’s fireworks, ensure that you provide them with calming medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.”
ALSO READ: How to keep your pet calm during fireworks
If you see any abandoned or scared pets, please take them to the SPCA.
If the weather allows for firework displays, the following designated areas were identified for the display of fireworks in the City of Mbombela:
- All sports grounds in the City of Mbombela.
- NelspruitRugbyy Club.
- Nelsville Sports Ground.
- KaMagugu Sports Ground.
- KaNyamazane Stadium.
- Mbombela Stadium.
- Recreational Parks.
All other places are forbidden for the display of fireworks.
ALSO READ: Fireworks keep Lowveld animal rescue workers and pet owners up all night
The following rules regarding the display of fireworks were issued by the City of Mbombela:
- No person shall ignite, discharge or explode any fireworks on any public roads or residence.
- No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present.
- No person may allow any minor (child) under his or her control to use, light or ignite fireworks.
- No person may use fireworks on any agricultural holding or at any school or senior citizens’ residence.
- No person may use fireworks within 500m of any petrol depot or petrol station.
- No person may deal in fireworks unless they hold fireworks’ licence in terms of the Explosives Act, as well as the written authority of the Chief Fire Officer of the City of Mbombela.
ALSO READ: The dangers of fireworks and children
