Heavy rain expected in parts of Mpumalanga
SAWS urge motorists to drive with caution as it forecasts heavy rain across several regions of the South Africa, including Mpumalanga.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an alert for heavy, disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from Sunday to Wednesday, January 5 to 8.
This comes with a warning for motorists to drive with caution.
“The expected persistent rainfall and its associated risks emphasise the need for caution and preparedness among all road users and the public. Scattered (60%) and widespread (80%) showers and thundershowers are expected on Sunday across the central and eastern regions of the country. These include North West, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng,” SAWS said.
@lowvelder According to a source, a symphony of different frog sounds could be heard after the rain in the Kruger National Park this morning, January 3. #bushbabyadventures #krugernationalpark #frogsounds #rain > Video: Bushbaby Adventures
MEDIA RELEASE: Expected heavy rain: A threat to motorists and the public during the end of the festive season
Click on the link for more information https://t.co/77YW8GwrG3 pic.twitter.com/n6nX3ZCDRL
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 3, 2025
The likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts ranging from 50 to 70mm.
“To this effect, road flooding, slippery surfaces and broad flash flooding are possible. The use of vehicle headlights and driving at a reasonably low speed will be of utmost importance during these showery conditions. Motorists should ensure clear windscreens, as traffic signs and road markings could be difficult to see in heavy rain, even for vehicles with properly working wipers. Further, it is inevitable that some low-water bridges would overflow, with powerful water currents that could sweep away vehicles and lead to the loss of lives and property. Motorists are strongly advised against entering flooded low-water bridges or roads.”
@lowvelder As the SAWS predicted, rain is currently lashing down on Mbombela on the first day of 2025. > Video: Bertus de Bruyn #rain #newyear #2025 #mbombela
Usually, summer thundershowers are confined to the afternoon and early evening hours. However, in its statement, SAWS said: “The continuous flow of warm moist air (tropical moisture) towards South Africa from countries to the north, is expected to cause showers at any time of the day. This means that ordinary or even heavy showers could be expected even between 18:00 and 01:00. According to the Road Traffic Management Centre [RTMC], these are the critical hours that road users should avoid driving. A higher number of road fatalities has already been reported for this festive season compared to previous years, and SAWS, in collaboration with the RTMC, urge motorists, pedestrians and the public to be extra vigilant on the roads during these conditions to prevent the further loss of lives.”
@lowvelder Nkomazi has been under water restrictions. But this week the weather gods have been smiling on the area. This is the fourth day in a row Malelane gets good rain. #nkomazitiktoker #rain #malelane #water > Video: Jacqueline Herbst
The rainfall distribution is anticipated to remain scattered to widespread across the central and eastern regions of the country on Monday, January 6.
“These conditions will most likely be accompanied by the persistence of disruptive rain and localised flooding across North West, the Free State and Gauteng, as well as the western bushveld of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. These adverse weather conditions are expected to persist until Wednesday, January 8, over the north-eastern and eastern provinces. Given the potential impacts of these stormy conditions, it is crucial for the public to stay informed by monitoring weather warnings and updates from SAWS,” the statement concluded.
